David Franco

The Exceptional Academy (https://www.facebook.com/ExceptionalAcademyNorthville - please share, Like, and follow our page) is a joint effort between the Living and Learning Enrichment Center (a suburban Detroit nonprofit which helps teens and adults with autism and/or related challenges), the Cisco Networking Academy, along with consulting support from Patrick Romzek (program designer and retired Cisco executive). We offer advanced work skills training to local adults with disabilities that results in globally recognized technology certifications up to and including CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) with a focus in Cybersecurity. This program was the first of its kind to be offered in Michigan and only the 2nd in the entire country.

The goal of the Exceptional Academy is 1) to provide advanced work skills training (currently IT certification with a focus in Cybersecurity) in high demand by Metropolitan Detroit/Ann Arbor companies to adults with disabilities and 2) to raise awareness and educate area companies in the many advantages of working with adults with disabilities.

I oversee all daily operations, manage social media, handle student/family relations, partner with area schools and agencies for recruitment of students, recruit all Academy employees, am responsible for scheduling of all Academy guest-speaking opportunities and field trips, and identify/build strategic partnerships with area corporations/organizations for sponsorship, guest training/speaking, internship, employment, and collaboration opportunities.