Spring is here, and it’s truly feeling like a season of renewal. In that spirit, we’re excited to celebrate Malik being hired at Sprouts Farmers Market.

This is Malik’s very first job. He said he was nervous at first, but in just two months he’s taken on a range of responsibilities in Inventory and Customer Assistance, and is doing awesome at work. He also gave a shout-out to his CIS coaches: “It’s nice to know that someone can help you when you need it.”

Malik is a former Project Career Launch participant, a collaboration between CIS, the School District of Philadelphia, and Drexel University that creates opportunities for youth on the autism spectrum. The one-year career-focused program helps participants like Malik prepare to transition into the workforce, and his experience with PCL helped equip him with skills he’s now putting into practice at Sprouts.

Asked for tips for other job seekers, Malik had some good advice: “Keep on going with your dreams,” he said, “and find a job that really fits you.”