NOW ENROLLING

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NOW ENROLLING

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Experiential Learning

Meristem is dedicated to preparing young adults with autism and other neurodiversity for a life of greater independence and fulfillment. Our multi-year transitional program serves students ages 18-28 from all over the United States.

Why Is Meristem Unique →

Thank You for Helping Us Awaken the Possible!

Meristem’s mission is made possible by the support of generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and impactful partners. Your incredible support empowers young adults with autism and other neurodiversities to achieve greater independence and capacity, and helps build a world where neurodiverse talents are celebrated and embraced.

Read Our 2024 Impact Report →

Purchase an Herbal
Arts Subscription Box

Every season, you will receive a package with handmade items created by Meristem students in an advanced Herbal Arts internship. Support our job training program and get beautiful, functional items for yourself or a loved one!

Purchase Here →

Breaking
Workforce Barriers

Meristem’s Transformative Autism Program (TAP) was developed with input from young adults on the autism spectrum in order to educate California employers on how to hire, train and retain people with autism—and in turn help them become the valuable employees they have the potential to be.

TAP For Employers →

Meristem Cafe

Our Cafe is open for lunch on Thursdays and Fridays 11:30 to 1:30 serving freshly made seasonal food.

Meristem Cafe →

Campus Life

Meristem’s lush 13-acre campus is located in Fair Oaks, California, just east of Sacramento and walking distance to trails and a portion of the American River.

Check Out Campus Life →

Get Involved

Volunteer Your Time

Purchase Goods & Services

Donate In-kind Gifts

Refer a Family / Student

Offer Work Internships

Corporate Training

Attend Meristem Events

Capital Gifts & Endowment

Ways You Can Help →

Frequently Asked Questions

Meristem students are comprised of neurodiverse young adults between the ages of 18-28, with low support needs, who show potential to achieve independence and self-sufficiency upon graduation.

Make a donation. All donations are tax deductible. Please consider making a contribution which will help support Meristem families with program fees, meal plans and personal items. Facility maintenance and update expenses are also needs of the program.

Tours must be booked with the Admissions Team or Development Team. Meristem students are in session and unscheduled interruptions are hard on our normal campus-life. Tours take place Monday-Friday, between 9 am – 3 pm.

Student Start Dates generally start the beginning of sessions in August and January depending on the availability of open spots in the Day and ILS programs. Contact the Admissions Team for the most current information.

ILS/Dorm Students receive a bank card that is loaded monthly with all of the funds that they will need for food, personal items and activities. Part of the ILS program is learning about one’s funds, budgeting, shopping and spending. Trips to the grocery store, community outings, etc. are planned weekly. Students can also choose to plan a fun night out for pizza and bowling and invite a couple of friends. It’s their choice how they spend their money. There will be an ILS Instructor mentoring and watching out for them.

Student Transportation is available and part of the program. Meristem owns minivans that the staff drive when going off campus. If students need to travel off-campus during the day for an activity, a job or on-campus college class, staff will transport them. (Day students provide their on transportation to and from campus daily at the beginning and end of the Day program.)

All students will learn about the public transportation in the community with opportunities to learn and use it. Lessons on Uber/Lift, Bart (Muni), trains, booking flights, airport transports are also part of the ILS instruction. Meristem wants its students out and about in the community and feeling comfortable about the trip to the destination.

Driving one’s car is allowed. Whether it be a Day Program student driving to campus and parking each day; or an ILS Program student driving their car to campus and parking it at the dorms – both are allowed. Meristem’s 13-acre campus features plenty safe parking areas.

Drivers Licenses are earned by several of Meristem’s students every year. Depending on the aptitude and capabilities of the student, it can be an achievable goal.

Meristem’s staff work with students who wish to work towards a drivers license. From taking and passing the test, to driving a cart on campus, to driving lessons with Bond Driving School – steps are in place for those that can put in the hard work.

Feedback

“What Meristem is doing is redefining the spectrum of ability and addressing one of the most significant public policy challenges we face in our state and in our society – the unacceptable unemployment rate for people with abilities who also happen to have disabilities.

Meristem is unique. There’s no equivalent program in our region, state or nation. Meristem offers hope, purpose and meaning. It is one of a kind.”

Darrell Steinberg
Former Mayor of Sacramento
Meristem Board Member

“Somewhere, there is a two year-old who is just being diagnosed with autism, and because of what we’re doing at Meristem now, we’re creating a better and happier future for them.”

– Caroline, Meristem Graduate

“This is an amazing program – unparalleled staff, curriculum, and campus. Everything is done with a specific philosophy in mind for a student’s neurodiverse body… Our young adult is thriving – making friends, learning skills, and taking on new challenges. We could not have imagined a better program. Highly recommend Meristem.”

– Kim, Meristem Parent

“I learned about trust, responsibility, and accountability from Meristem. I also learned that it’s okay to be outdoors and lots of little known facts about nature!

– Morgan, Current Meristem Student