Essential Piece Enterprises (EPE) is an extension of Arizona Autism Charter Schools (AZACS) and is designed to offer workforce-readiness programs and support to our adult-aged clients for life beyond high school. EPE operates four community-facing businesses: a Essential Piece Cafe, a Shirt Design and Print Studio, Shipping/Receiving Center and Tech Repair Shop. These community-facing businesses offer clients the chance to develop workplace skills with the support of Job Coaches. Job Coaches will provide clients on-site and community-based workforce training tailored to individual needs. Job Coaches will work with clients in our in-house businesses and external internships with industry partners. All programs are individualized based on the client’s job and career interests, strengths, and individual needs.
Mission Statement
Essential Piece Enterprises empowers autistic adults with meaningful, individualized workforce experiences that build real-world skills, confidence, and pathways to purposeful employment beyond high school.
Our Vision
We envision a community where autistic adults are valued contributors in the workforce, supported by inclusive businesses, strong partnerships, and personalized pathways that honor each individual’s strengths, interests, and potential.
Essential Piece Enterprises (EPE) is now enrolling adult students (ages 18 and beyond) for Summer and Fall 2025. Essential Piece Enterprises (EPE) is an extension of Arizona Autism Charter Schools (AZACS) and is designed to offer workforce-readiness programs and support to our adult-aged clients for life beyond high school. EPE operates three community-facing businesses: a Coffee Shop, a T-shirt Print Studio, and a Shipping/Receiving Center. Soon, we will add a Tech Studio. These community-facing businesses offer clients the chance to develop workplace skills with the support of Job Coaches. Job Coaches will provide clients on-site and community-based workforce training tailored to individual needs. Job Coaches will work with clients in our in-house businesses and external internships with industry partners such as Banner Health, UHAUL, ACE Hardware, and other employers. All programs are individualized based on the client’s job and career interests, strengths, and individual needs.
