While many students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Hong Kong possess the academic caliber to thrive in mainstream schools, the intense social and sensory demands of these environments often lead to hidden exhaustion and isolation. Koo Foundation is dedicated to supporting strategic initiatives that bridge this gap, ensuring these individuals have the specialised environment they need to thrive beyond the classroom.

To assist this group of youths on this journey, we are proud to champion the evolution of a long-standing partnership with The Education University of Hong Kong into a new, transformative initiative: School Aspire.

Our heart has been with this cause for over a decade. Since 2004, Project Aspire has touched the lives of over 10,000 ASD students and families, providing a steady hand within mainstream schools. Our own journey with them began in 2014, when we developed a Social Skills Training Tool for children with Asperger's Syndrome. Seeing 1,000 of those kits reach the hands of dedicated parents, teachers and professionals was a milestone that showed us the power of collective care.

In 2025, Koo Foundation is breathing new life into this mission. School Aspire is a comprehensive expansion designed to ensure no student has to face the "cliff" of graduation alone. By extending our reach from the first days of primary school through to tertiary education, we are doubling our capacity to welcome 800 families into our community every year.

The three core pillars of School Aspire are built on the dream of professional independence for these families and students and will:

• Training and Counselling Support: Provide targeted emotional and academic guidance for ASD students from P1 through to higher education.
• Vocational Empowerment: Facilitate knowledge transfer, specialised job training, and internship opportunities to prepare individuals for the workforce.
• Research and Innovation: Develop a dedicated online platform designed to bridge the gap between high-functioning ASD students and potential employers.

Our vision is to build a legacy of support that stays with a family long after formal training ends. The transformative power of School Aspire not only expands vital research and professional resources, but ensures that these comprehensive interventions are enduring. With this mission, Koo Foundation is proud to support the building of a sustainable bridge to the workplace—one that ultimately leads to better career outcomes and fosters a more inclusive society where every individual has the agency to realise their full potential.