Alumni Update: Brad Overcash, BSPH ‘15

Brad Overcash, BSPH ‘15, completed his BSPH internship with Autism Charlotte, which led to his position as Autism Charlotte’s Manager of the Preparing Adolescents to Transition from High School (PATHS) Program. The PATHS Program has locations at UNC Charlotte and Queens University. Its main purpose is to help high school students and recent high school graduates with Asperger’s and similar social-communication disorders with their transition to college. The program teaches students skills necessary in order to be successful in college, such as confidence, time management, socialization, organization, communication, and self-advocacy. These skills are taught during class time, which is two days a week plus four Saturday’s a semester.

Brad’s goal for this program is to increase the number of students enrolled and to expand to other universities. So far, this program has three students currently in college, including one at Savannah College of Art and Design. PATHS relies on college student volunteers to help run the program and teach lessons. If you are interested in volunteering, email Brad at PATHS@autismcharlotte.org.

Brad reports that his role as Director of PATHS is “challenging but exciting to creatively come up with lessons and activities.” He advises current public health students to do their best at their internship because it could turn into a job.