Spectrum Works
Spectrum Works is a Secaucus, NJ-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides job training, internships, and employment support for autistic young adults aged 16+ through partnerships with 18-19 New Jersey employers across logistics, retail, healthcare, and finance.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersSecaucus, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Spectrum Works does
Spectrum Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Secaucus, New Jersey, that delivers job training, internship, and employment support services for autistic young adults aged 16 and older across seven New Jersey counties. Founded in 2013 by Ann Marie Sullivan in partnership with Robert Butters (founder of Green Distribution), the organization runs a tiered portfolio of programs: a Signature Employment Program that places autistic individuals at partner companies with ongoing coaching, a High School Job Training Program for students aged 16-21, and a Post High School Job Training Program for adults aged 18-24 and beyond. Participants are embedded directly inside partner company workplaces during internships and supported by Spectrum Works staff, with the organization reporting it has helped 700+ young adults through workplace training since inception and served 142 participants in 2025.
The organization supplements its human services with a social enterprise: a Custom Screen Printing & Promotional Products operation run in partnership with FM Expressions, where autistic students assist with graphic design, customer service, production, and distribution. This dual model allows Spectrum Works to generate earned revenue while providing real vocational experience. The organization operates with 1-10 staff and a structured team including a Business Relationship & Fundraising Manager, Program Directors for DVRS and High School programs, DDD Program Manager, and Training & Development Specialists.
Spectrum Works does not charge partner companies for its services. Funding is sourced from individual donations processed via Classy, corporate grants from Citizens Bank, PSE&G, TD Bank, Bank of America, and Columbia Bank, NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) government funding, NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) program funding, and event-based fundraising such as the annual MTS Bike Tour for Autism Acceptance which raised approximately $120,000 in its 14th year. The go-to-market motion combines CEO-led enterprise field sales with community-led growth through word-of-mouth from existing 18-19 employer partners, Autism Acceptance Month activations at partner sites, and Skills Based Volunteer Days that convert into deeper partnership commitments.
Spectrum Works firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Spectrum Works
- Legal name
- Spectrum Works
- Website
- https://spectrumworks.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Spectrum Works is a Secaucus, NJ-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides job training, internships, and employment support for autistic young adults aged 16+ through partnerships with 18-19 New Jersey employers across logistics, retail, healthcare, and finance.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Spectrum Works industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability Employment Services
- NAICS
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Apprenticeship Training (611513)
- SIC
- Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Special Education Vocational & Transition Programs (18–22) (EDAKAAAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Autism Transition Planning & Postsecondary Readiness (Educational) (EDAKAKAK), Work-Based Learning Programs (Internships, Apprenticeships, Community-Based Instruction) (EDAKANAF), Internships, Externships & Work-Based Learning Placement (EDAMAKAB)
Keywords
Where Spectrum Works is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Secaucus
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Spectrum Works business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising: Spectrum Works operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that raises funds through individual donations, corporate matching gift programs, and fundraising events. The MTS Bike Tour event aims to raise $150,000 for autism awareness and job training programs.
- Custom Screen Printing and Promotional Products: Social enterprise that generates revenue through custom screen printing and promotional products. Students assist with graphic design, customer service, production, and distribution. Partnership with FM Expressions enables competitive pricing for volume and specialty orders.
- Grant Funding: Receives grant support from corporate foundations and organizations including Citizens, PSE&G, TD Bank, Bank of America, and Columbia Bank to expand programming and strengthen services.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels7 records
Spectrum Works product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Spectrum Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers customized job training and supported-employment programs placing autistic individuals — primarily ages 16–24+ — into partner-company worksites for internships and long-term hire. Its portfolio includes the Signature Employment Program (core employer pipeline), a High School Job Training Program for ages 16–21, a Post High School Job Training track for ages 18–24 and over-24 adults, and a Custom Screen Printing & Promotional Products social enterprise that doubles as a training lab and earned-revenue source.
Product overview
Spectrum Works operates as a non-profit organization offering a portfolio of employment and training programs centered on its Signature Employment Program, supplemented by High School Job Training and Post High School Job Training initiatives. These programs provide tiered job training, internships, and employment support for autistic individuals at partner companies. Additionally, Spectrum Works operates a Custom Screen Printing & Promotional Products division that generates revenue to support the job training program while providing real-world employment opportunities for autistic young adults in graphic design, customer service, production, and distribution. The Signature Employment Program serves as the core offering—a customized, scalable solution that connects partner companies with autistic talent, while the High School and Post High School programs cater to different age groups and skill levels.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Signature Employment Program Customized, scalable job training and employment solution that helps companies build diverse workforces by providing a direct pipeline for recruiting autistic talent who are dedicated, loyal, and likely to remain long-term. Includes pre-screening, workplace readiness training, on-site coaching during internships, and post-hire retention support for partner employers.
- High School Job Training Program Competitive integrated employment program for high school students aged 16–21, where participants work alongside neurotypical employees in partner companies during school hours, supported by Spectrum Works staff.
- Post High School Job Training Intensive internship program for autistic young adults ages 18–24 plus a shorter internship program for individuals over age 24, providing employment support and training opportunities beyond high school.
- Custom Screen Printing & Promotional Products Custom screen printed apparel and promotional products (water bottles, pens, tote bags, etc.) produced in partnership with FM Expressions, where autistic students assist with graphic design, customer service, production, and distribution. Functions as both a revenue-generating social enterprise and a hands-on training lab.
Quantifiable outcome
- 700+ young adults with autism helped through workplace training programs
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Spectrum Works
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Spectrum Works technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Spectrum Works partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, founding and minor.
- Bergen LogisticscoreProvides hands-on job training for autistic high school students, offers internships and long-term employment opportunities. CEO Charles Ickes leads neurodiverse hiring initiatives. Bergen Logistics educates international staff and customers on the value of neurodiversity, fostering inclusive company culture globally.
- MTS LogisticscoreHosts annual Bike Tour for Autism Acceptance, raising funds for Spectrum Works programs. President Sedat Saka, father of neurodiverse children, is deeply committed to autism acceptance. Raised $120,000 in 14th Annual Bike Tour for direct assistance to autistic individuals through internships.
- Sesame Street Learn & Play at American DreamcoreInterns gain experience in customer service, retail operations, guest engagement, and behind-the-scenes support. Two interns transitioned to permanent roles and recognized as Employee of the Month. Joe McGrath leads the team at Sesame Street Learn & Play.
- FM ExpressionscoreOne of the largest screen printing companies on the East Coast. Partnership enables Spectrum Works to produce custom screen printed apparel for volume and specialty orders at competitive prices. Spectrum Works utilizes FM Expressions' full service art department, screen room, printing presses, and warehouse facility.
- Rent The RunwaymajorParticipant Sywon Sims was offered a permanent position after completing job training, demonstrating program success in creating lasting career opportunities.
- IKEAmajorHosted Autism Acceptance Month event with in-store banners to educate customers and spark meaningful conversations about inclusion.
- Bergen New Bridge Medical CentermajorPartner company that hosted Autism Acceptance Month events to educate employees about neurodiversity and Spectrum Works partnership.
- Robert Butters (Green Distribution)foundingCo-founder Robert Butters, founder of Green Distribution, partnered with Ann Marie Sullivan in 2013 to make the Spectrum Works vision a reality.
- Turkish AirlinesminorPartner company illustrating various ways businesses can support neurodiversity in the logistics industry.
- MaerskminorMajor shipping company sponsor of the annual MTS Bike Tour for Autism, supporting autism awareness and job training programs.
- Mediterranean Shipping CompanyminorMajor shipping company sponsor of the annual MTS Bike Tour for Autism, supporting autism awareness and job training programs.
- Hapag-LloydminorMajor shipping company sponsor of the annual MTS Bike Tour for Autism, supporting autism awareness and job training programs.
- CMA CGMminorMajor shipping company sponsor of the annual MTS Bike Tour for Autism, supporting autism awareness and job training programs.
- Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ)majorSpectrum Works CEO Ann Marie Sullivan participated in roundtable discussion with NJ Department of Labor Commissioner Kevin Jarvis and business/nonprofit leaders on workforce development and employment inclusion throughout New Jersey.
- New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce DevelopmentcoreDivision of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) funding remains unchanged and is a critical component of Spectrum Works programming, helping autistic young adults gain workplace skills and employment opportunities.
- American DreammajorContinued support and openness to inclusive hiring played vital role in making Sesame Street Learn & Play partnership thrive. Shared vision of truly inclusive workplace.
- Ben & Jerry'sminorSelected as nonprofit partner for Free Cone Day event where hundreds of community members learned about Spectrum Works mission.
- New York GiantsminorCorporate partner/supporter listed on donations page supporting Spectrum Works mission.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Spectrum Works competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- The Arc: National disability advocacy and service organization with employment and vocational programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism. Comparable employment-placement focus at national scale.
- Easterseals: National disability services nonprofit offering employment, vocational training, and transition services. Highly comparable to Spectrum Works' autism employment focus but serves broader disability populations and operates across many states.
- Goodwill Industries International: Large national nonprofit network operating job training and placement programs for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Overlaps directly with Spectrum Works' vocational rehabilitation mission but at much broader scale and across all disabilities.
Regional players
- Melmark: Multi-state nonprofit providing educational, vocational, and residential services for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Comparable autism transition and employment services, primarily operating in the Northeast.
Direct peers
- YAI (Young Adult Institute): Large NYC-based nonprofit serving people with autism and other disabilities, with dedicated employment, vocational, and transition programs. Directly comparable service mix to Spectrum Works at significantly larger scale.
- AHRC New York City: Nonprofit providing vocational rehabilitation, employment, and transition services specifically for people with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities in the NYC metro. Direct functional peer to Spectrum Works' autism-focused job training model.
- ServiceSource: Nonprofit focused on employment and vocational rehabilitation for people with disabilities, including autism, operating employer-partnership and community employment models. Direct functional peer in the disability employment space.
- Jewish Vocational Service (JVS): Nonprofit providing vocational training, job placement, and employment support with programs tailored to individuals with disabilities. Closely mirrors Spectrum Works' job training and employer-partnership model.
- Bancroft: New Jersey-based nonprofit providing autism-specific services including vocational and employment programs. Geographic and mission overlap makes it one of the closest direct peers to Spectrum Works.
Emerging players
- Dan Marino Foundation: Nonprofit dedicated to autism employment and transition programs, including vocational training and employer partnerships. Highly comparable mission to Spectrum Works though operationally smaller and Florida-anchored.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Spectrum Works social profiles
Digital presenceSpectrum Works financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Spectrum Works leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Spectrum Works funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Spectrum Works M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Spectrum Works
What does Spectrum Works do?
Spectrum Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers customized job training and supported-employment programs placing autistic individuals — primarily ages 16–24+ — into partner-company worksites for internships and long-term hire. Its portfolio includes the Signature Employment Program (core employer pipeline), a High School Job Training Program for ages 16–21, a Post High School Job Training track for ages 18–24 and over-24 adults, and a Custom Screen Printing & Promotional Products social enterprise that doubles as a training lab and earned-revenue source.
Is Spectrum Works a public or private company?
Spectrum Works is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Spectrum Works founded?
Spectrum Works was founded in 2013. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Spectrum Works based?
Spectrum Works is headquartered in Secaucus, United States, in the North America region.
How does Spectrum Works make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are custom Screen Printing and Promotional Products and grant Funding.
Who are Spectrum Works's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are The Arc, Easterseals and Goodwill Industries International. Melmark is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are YAI (Young Adult Institute), AHRC New York City, ServiceSource, Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) and Bancroft. Dan Marino Foundation is listed as an emerging player.
Does Spectrum Works have an API?
No public API is recorded for Spectrum Works.
What industry is Spectrum Works in?
Spectrum Works's product category is Disability Employment Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAKAAAG, Special Education Vocational & Transition Programs (18–22), with a secondary code of EDAKAKAK, Autism Transition Planning & Postsecondary Readiness (Educational). Its NAICS code is 6243 and its SIC code is 7361.