FARGO, N.D. – Every child with autism deserves a school environment that celebrates their strengths and supports their unique challenges. When schools embrace inclusion and personalized strategies, children with autism gain the foundation to succeed academically and socially.
Fueled by a Health Innovation Grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation in spring 2025, the North Dakota Autism Center (NDAC) is embedding evidence-based support directly in classrooms and pairing them with ongoing educator coaching. The initiative helps schools personalize learning, nurture social development and build durable practices that reach students across North Dakota, especially where specialized help has been hard to access.
"With this grant, we’ve been able to bridge critical gaps in autism support,” said Brittney Hogan, executive director of NDAC. “It’s helping us continue building stronger partnerships with schools to create sustainable systems that nurture learning and belonging for every child."
Key impacts of the grant include:
- Specialized services: NDAC’s team of board-certified behavior analysts and support staff deliver individualized educational strategies, ensuring children with autism receive the attention and resources they need to succeed.
- School partnerships: The program has expanded to schools in underserved and rural communities, bridging gaps in access to autism support and promoting health access and opportunities across the state.
- Empowering educators: NDAC provides training and ongoing coaching for school staff, building capacity for inclusive education and sustainable change.
“Supporting educators means supporting the future of North Dakota. By investing in school-based autism programs, we’re helping teachers bridge gaps in access and ensure every child can thrive, no matter where they live,” said Amber Blomberg, executive director of the BCBSND Caring Foundation.
NDAC’s work addresses critical service gaps in North Dakota, where many schools lack the resources to provide tailored support for children with autism. By partnering with local districts, NDAC is helping to build sustainable frameworks for inclusive education and long-term community wellness.
Accepting letters of intent for 2026 Health Innovation Grant
The BCBSND Caring Foundation is now accepting letters of intent for its spring 2026 Health Innovation Grants. These one-year grants are available to North Dakota nonprofits, municipalities or school districts working to support community-based well-being through new, expanding or innovative programs. Health Innovation Grants aim to foster collaboration, increase community engagement and create lasting, meaningful change.
Letters of intent are due by 5 p.m. (CT) on Saturday, Jan. 31. For more information and a sample letter of intent, visit bcbsnd.com/innovationgrant.
About the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation
Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues to help improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff collaborate with grantees to support nonprofit sustainability, promote shared outcomes and create lasting change.
