A new consortium between several local higher education institutions, including MCC, K-12 school districts, and agencies will help students with intellectual disabilities attend college and succeed in higher education.
Funded by a five-year, $2.5 million grant awarded to the Institute for Innovative Transition at the University of Rochester under the new U.S. Department of Education Transition and Postsecondary Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID), the consortium will establish, implement, and sustain four TPSID model demonstration projects that will create new, and expand existing, inclusive postsecondary programs at the University of Rochester, Keuka College, Monroe Community College, and Roberts Wesleyan College.
MCC was awarded $353,000 from the grant — via the University of Rochester — to launch the “Think College” program at the Damon City Campus. Joan Mullaney (Human Services) serves as project director for the grant. In addition to being exposed to college life, student participants will also benefit from specialized workforce development programs to promote their success in higher education and beyond.
Students who take this alternative pathway to college will benefit from an inclusive college experience that focuses on academics and instruction, campus activities, employment through work-based learning and internships, and independent living. At the end of the program, students will receive a credential from the college/university that has been approved by the institution.
Tish Williams
Grants
10/18/2010 |