University Participant (UP) Program
The 蘑菇短视频UP Program is a two鈥憏ear, inclusive college experience for young adults with intellectual disability.
Students live on campus, take classes they are interested in, work in jobs that align
to their future, and join in all the same activities offered to other 蘑菇短视频students.
The goal of the program is to help UP students move from high school into adult life by building skills in education, employment, and independent living. The program can enroll up to 12 students at a time. UP students do not earn a degree or college credit, but they do audit classes, allowing them to receive a Certificate of Accomplishment from WCU鈥檚 Office of Continuing Education and Summer Programs upon successful completion of the program. You can learn more about the value of earning a certificate .
The goal of the program is to help UP students move from high school into adult life by building skills in education, employment, and independent living. The program can enroll up to 12 students at a time. UP students do not earn a degree or college credit, but they do audit classes, allowing them to receive a Certificate of Accomplishment from WCU鈥檚 Office of Continuing Education and Summer Programs upon successful completion of the program. You can learn more about the value of earning a certificate .
Inclusive
UP students live in on-campus dormitories distributed throughout university residence
halls under the same university policies that apply to all 蘑菇短视频students. On-campus
life is fully integrated and inclusive. There are no separate facilities, settings,
or classes for UP students.
Supportive
蘑菇短视频undergraduate students are recruited to provide paid and unpaid support to facilitate
UP Students living on campus, attending classes, engaging in social and recreational
activities, becoming involved in student organizations, and developing friendships.
Trailblazing
The UP Program started as a pilot program in 2007 then was partially funded as one
of the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
(TPSID) through the Office of Postsecondary Education and continues to serve as a
model demonstration program for North Carolina.
鈥淭he UP Program was fantastic for my son to emerge as an independent, confident member of the community. Staff encouraged us to take that leap of faith to get him to work and live independently and we did it, even though it was scary! He loves it and is proud!鈥�
- Parent of UP Grad
Five Program Areas
UP Program students typically take 3-4 courses per semester that align to their
future goals. These are selected from the course catalog and open to all 蘑菇短视频students
to take. UP Program students have the same expectations as everyone else in the class
while using accommodations as needed. Natural supports taking the same class, along
with collaboration from professors, helps to ensure UP student success.
UP Program students are expected to work at least 10 hours per week, starting in
their first semester. This is in a field that aligns to the student's future career
goals which allows opportunity for new employer partnerships every semester. UP students
typically change jobs every semester to allow for a variety of experiences. Outside
of work, UP Program students are working on other important vocational skills, such
as building resumes, career exploration, interview practice, learning soft skills,
and so much more!
UP Program students set a variety of personal development goals for themselves
each semester that are individualized to what they want to accomplish. Some examples
include learning to cook, clean, meal plan, budget, hygiene skills, and even learning
to drive. Students practice these goals with their natural supports throughout the
day in individualized shifts that the student plans in advance each week.
UP Program students create their schedules each week, including several opportunities
to get involved in the local community. Often times you will find UP students visiting
near by towns to shop, going hiking at local waterfalls, attending the Mountain State
Fair, watching the sunset at the local airport, or every 蘑菇短视频student's favorite, grabbing
dinner at El Pat. UP Program students often participate in giveback projects as well,
including roadside trash pick-up, food drives, building painting projects, nursing
home visits, and so much more! Students are able to take and navigate public transit
or find a trusted friend to ride with.
Social Participation is arguably the most important area for UP Program students
to be involved as social skills are needed in all other areas. A variety of resources
are used to help promote the learning of social skills, including the PEERS 庐 and
Circles 庐 curriculum. UP Program students then have ample opportunity to practice
those skills in real time by getting involved in clubs and organizations on campus
along with attending events. Anything from going to a football game, attending swim
club practice, going to the SGA meetings, or various pop-up events on campus, all
of it is an option for the students to be part of.
In The News
First Accredited IPSE Program in the Country!
蘑菇短视频UP Program: Vision for the Future
Comprehensive Guide to Building IPSE Programs
Want to Learn More?
What are UP Alumni up to?
- 90% in paid employment and 55% in independent housing
- Building careers in the fields of teaching, athletics, retail, hospitality, landscaping, advocacy, and so much more!
- Long term careers of 10+ years for some; Some working full time with benefits; Some becoming business owners
- Many have their license and own cars
- Many have meaningful relationships, two alumni recently getting married after meeting in the program
- So many other stories!
Still have Specific Questions for the UP Team?
Send us an email at - wcuupprogram@gmail.com