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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.
Program Options
Students may now choose to enroll in either the 2-year Program or 4- year Program.
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.
2-year Program
For students interested in continuing their academic, career and technical, and independent
living development to prepare for gainful employment. Students 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 FASFA
to apply for need-based federal financial aid.
4-year Program
For students interested in pursuing an academic area of emphasis and have the desire
to live as independently as possible in their communities. Students enroll in the
same curriculum structure as the 2-year program, but will receive advanced instruction
in independent living, self-determination and self-advocacy, social, and employment
skills in years 3 and 4. Students will choose at least two “inclusive” courses per
semester that will lead toward their academic area of emphasis (e.g., Hospitality
and Tourism Management; Recreation and Leisure; Health, Nutrition, and Wellness; or
Interdisciplinary Studies). Students will also participate in additional work experiences
in integrated competitive employment settings at least 25 hours a week. In the students’
4th year, they will participate in the Community-Based Residential Internship where
they will live in a community housing option identified by each student and their
family. Upon completing the program requirements, students receive the 4-Year PASSAGE
USA Postsecondary Education Credential for Training in Life and Employment Skills
at Commencement. The 4-year program is a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program.
Students in this program can use the FASFA to apply for need-based federal financial
aid.
Extended Program
Some students completing the 2-year program will be invited to continue their enrollment
in PASSAGE USA by working towards an academic area of emphasis as well as extended
work experiences, and participation in the Community- Based Residential Internship.
Upon completing the program requirements, students receive the 4-Year PASSAGE USA
Postsecondary Education Credential for Training in Life and Employment Skills at Commencement.
The extended program is a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program.
Students in this program can use the FASFA to apply for need-based federal financial
aid.
