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PASSAGE USA

Passage USA Graduates standing in front of the Waterman Globe

 

PASSAGE USA, (Preparing All Students Socially and Academically for Gainful Employment) is a postsecondary, non-degree, certificate program. This program is designed for students with intellectual disabilities, who need extra supports to be successful in our community.

Through person-centered planning, we help students define their goals for their future. These goals are turned into an individualized Adult Education Plan (AEP) in which we target the skills they need to achieve their goals. These skills include independent living, social, employment, and self-determination skills.

Students in the program will be full university campus members, which includes:

  • Access to campus recreation
  • Academic inclusion in classes
  • Inclusion in campus social activities

Students attend elective classes with other USA students, as well as, attend specialized classes that target the skills they need to achieve their goals. They participate in a work internship each semester. Peer Mentors (other USA students) act as natural supports on and off campus to help foster independence and learning.

Now accepting applications for Fall 2026. Click THIS LINK or request an application from passageusa@southalabama.edu today!

Program length options— Each program includes individualized Adult Education Plans (AEP) including academic, social, independent living, self-determination, self-advocacy, community integration and employment outcomes developed by a person-centered planning (PCP) approach.

Students interested in continuing their academic, career and technical, and independent living development to prepare for gainful employment enroll in non-credit undergraduate courses and have inclusive employment experiences to develop the skills needed to obtain and retain jobs. Upon completing the program requirements, students receive the Two-Year PASSAGE USA Postsecondary Education Credential for Training in Life and Employment Skills at Commencement. The 2-year program is a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program. Students in this program can use the FAFSA to apply for need-based federal financial aid.  In addition, students may access other forms of financial assistance.
Students who complete the 2-year program and desire to live independently may be invited to enroll in the 4-year program. This advanced program continues to focus on academics, independent living, self-advocacy, social skills, and employment skills.  Students select an Academic Area of Emphasis (e.g., Hospitality, Recreation, Applied Arts), aligning coursework and work experience with their career goals. In the final year, students live out a personalized independent living plan developed with their families. Adjustments are made to ensure readiness for life after graduation. Upon completing the program requirements, students earn the 4-Year PASSAGE USA Credential in Life and Employment Skills. Also, the 4 year program is a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program, and students may apply for need-based federal financial aid through FAFSA.  In addition, students may access other forms of financial assistance.

What if every young adult with intellectual disability in the United States saw college as an option?  Watch this video to learn more!

Click on this video to learn more about PASSAGE USA.

Interested in applying as a peer mentor?

If you're interested in becoming a peer mentor, start the process by clicking here.

This project is funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Post- Secondary Education Grant P407A200064.

Funded by USDOL through SWAPTE - Southwest Alabama Partnership for Training and Employment A proud partner of the americanjobcenter network