We are lucky to have a premier Inclusive Post-Secondary Education ( IPSE ) program in our backyard. The Academy for Inclusive Learning & Social Growth at KSU has the first and largest program in Georgia with approximately 50 enrolled students and over 120 graduates since 2011.
I attended the Open House on February 23rd and learned a bit more about the program from Program Coordinator Rich Matthews and campus housing Community Coordinator Sam Abney. It was a lively and quickly paced presentation with a tour at the end. Here are my take aways …
The Academic, Social, and Career Enrichment Certificate (ASCE) program at The Academy is a foundational program that offers a fully inclusive college experience for students. The program last for 2 years and graduates will receive a certificate vs. a diploma. Approximately 75% of students live on campus while others commute.
Per semester, each student will take 3 courses with the Academy, 1 audit course with the general degree population and 1 community & professional education course. Starting in the 2nd semester, students will also be required to work an internship starting at 6 hours per week and working up to 10 hours by the second year. Peer mentors will be assigned to students for the audit classes to help with note taking, studying and initially walking to class.
Social development of the students is one of the goals of the program. Fun Academy social events are held monthly, and students are required to earn social hours each week. Students are encouraged to join clubs of interest and social mentors are available to help students adjust to the social experiences.
Career development is also a big piece of the experience. Student are enrolled in career prep and internship classes each semester. They learn how to build their portfolio of an updated resume, cover letters, recommendations and references. Required internship hours will be on or near campus. The practicum coordinator and program advisors will help ensure success although the students must interview and get their own jobs.
Students who live in the dorms will live with another ASCE student and have a resident assistant assigned to them. They will be mixed with the general KSU population in the dorms. Independent living skills are crucial to success in this area and students should be able do laundry, basic meal prep, cleaning, medication management, maintain personal belongings and live in a community environment. Time management in getting yourself up, dressed and to class on time is essential. While the RA and staff keep an eye on the students and are available to call, the student will live with the same freedoms as all the KSU students on campus.
The cost varies based on the commuter/housing choice and meal plan selected but will range from approximately 10-17K per semester. There are sources of funding, grants and scholarships which can help with the costs such as Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation, AILSG Scholarships, Pell Grants and IPSE Grants.
What makes a successful Academy student?
The Application Process
The application process will include the application, an in-person reading and functional assessment and in-person college day experience. Qualified applicants will either be accepted as a commuter or on campus housing students. Dorm space is very limited at KSU and the program wants to ensure students are independent enough to safely live on campus.
The Fall, 2024 application deadline for commuter students is April 19, 2024 and housing students is March 15, 2024.
Application Requirements
The ASCE program is an excellent choice for students who would like a supported college experience and preparation for the work world. Please check out the program here and contact the staff for more information.
