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Organization name: University Participants Program (Western Carolina University)
Contact Person: Kelly R. Kelley, Program Director; Alexandra Raxter, Program Coordinator
Purpose/mission: The WCU UP Program provides an inclusive, two-year, on-campus living and learning experience for college-aged persons with intellectual disabilities. The goal of the program is to facilitate UP students' transition from secondary school to adult life with education, employment and independent living.
Population served: College-aged persons with intellectual disabilities
Services/programs/resources offered:
Personal Development Skills (e.g. communication skills, personal care skills, self-determination, etc.)
Community Participation Skills (e.g. using public transportation, budgeting, grocery shopping, etc.)
Vocational Preparation Skills (e.g. learning specific job skills on or off-campus)
Social Participation and Learning (e.g. participating in university functions such as athletic events, belonging to university clubs or organizations)
Course Auditing (e.g. auditing 3 to 4 courses per semester)
Costs/requirements to participate:
Potential UP applicants must apply for admission to the UP Program through the university undergraduate admissions office.
Criteria:
Are within the typical age (18-25) range of college students
Have been enrolled in a high school special education program that does not lead to completion of a regular high school diploma and that does not allow students to complete requirements necessary for regular admission to WCU
Demonstrate adequate communication skills to interact with others on the WCU campus
Demonstrate socially acceptable behavior that will allow a favorable experience on the WCU campus
Be adequately motivated to learn and benefit from their participation in the UP Program
Have an expressed interest in living and working as independently as possible in their community after completing the UP program and supported by parents and families to do so
Costs
UP students will be charged fees comparable to those charged to undergraduate students. These will include application fees, tuition for courses audited, housing and meal plan fees, other program related support or base fees, and university activity fees.
A program support fee will be added each semester based on the support needs for each UP student.
How families can access more information if interested in pursuing:
Contact info:
Kelly R. Kelley, Program Director: kkelley@wcu.edu, 828-227-3298
Alexandra Raxter, Program Coordinator: araxter@wcu.edu, 828-227-3318
Social media sites:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wcuupprogram/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upwcu