Getting accepted into college and having a “college experience” is a rite of passage for many young people in our society.

A group that has traditionally not been able to have this experience is young adults with intellectual disabilities.

While a typical college degree may be out of reach for many, the ability to learn, interact, and engage in college experiences is not. The participation of individuals with intellectual disabilities in college programs can benefit not only those with a disability, but their same-age peers who are in traditional degree-seeking programs.

West Chester University is looking to provide that opportunity through The RAM (Real Achievement Matters) Initiative, a new pilot program that will begin to accept qualified students to start their college experience in Fall 2018.

[uam_ad id=”58459″]

Advertisement

Students admitted into the program will participate in a two-year fully inclusive educational experience in which they will be immersed in all aspects of campus life. RAM students will learn and interact with others. These students will typically audit classes as non-credit students. The classes will be the same taken by the typical WCU student as part of the university curriculum. Employment opportunities either on-campus or in the community will be available, as will internships.

Interested prospective students with intellectual disabilities (as defined by the Higher Education Opportunity Act), ages 18-24, are welcome to complete an application accessed at the Professional Studies website, separate from the usual undergraduate admission process. Applications will be accepted until March 9. Interested students and their families are invited to attend an informational open house on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 7-9 PM at Sykes Student Union, Room 252 A.

Click here for more information.

[uam_ad id=”71799″]