The EDGE program is a holistic secondary education program at Union University that supports young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain independence skills while creating a great quality of life upon graduation. To learn more about what their program entails, please see the frequently asked questions answered below.
Program Information
The EDGE program is a 2-year inclusive college program with an option to complete a 3rd year bridge program.
EDGE program students take 12 hours each semester (6 hours of audit courses, 6 hours of life skills courses)
Students can pick which classes to audit based on their interests
The program is centered around employment training, daily living skills, a Godly focus, and educational enrichment.
Students receive person-centered planning meetings to determine their specific interests and goals by focusing on the whole student.
Students also complete a cooking lab where they learn kitchen and dining etiquette and get the opportunity to cook a large meal for family and friends at the end of the year.
They have internships/jobs on campus and out in the community throughout their years .
Some examples can include: Chick Fil A, campus recreational facilities, cleaning services, sports teams, etc.
Each year, at least three mentors are paired to each student to be there for supports (especially during the first few months).
These mentors can socialize with them during extra-curricular activities, campus events, and volunteer opportunities to support them during their college experience.
The EDGE program students also receive Center of Support leaders who can provide support in the ways of working on homework together, helping the students build daily living skills, and to be an accountability peer to help them be successful during their time in the program.
For more information, please click on the link: https://uu.edu/programs/education/edge/mentoring/
The students who graduate from the EDGE program will receive a certificate.
Yes, EDGE program students can live on campus.
They will room with traditional university students during their first year with the option to continue living with the same student or live with other EDGE students they have created a connection with in their second year.
Students who live on campus will have their own room with a communal living space, kitchen, and bathroom with 2-3 other students.
EDGE program students have access to everything that other Union University students have such as organizations, social clubs, sporting events, etc.
The bridge program is an opportunity for students in the EDGE program to complete a third year in the program. This third year acts as a bridge between college life and job independence.
If a student wants to complete the bridge program, they will apply in their second year in the EDGE program and will complete an interview process.
During this third year, students will live on campus but do not take college classes. Their main focus is working a full time job, but they still can receive the support from staff.
Bridge program student also receive peer mentors.
*It is not a requirement for students to complete this third year bridge program.
No, the EDGE program does not provide specific transportation to and from the school, but EDGE staff assists in transportation needs in collaboration with students' mentors, roommates, etc. when transportation needs arise.
The EDGE program makes sure to prepare their students for employment after graduating by incorporating internships, jobs in the community, employment training, etc.
There is a specified staff member with the goal of helping students find employment. The employment assistant director helps EDGE program students create their resume, complete their applications, and help them decide what job will fit them best. This helps them find a job during the program and upon graduation.
It is located on the Union University campus at 1050 Union University Drive, Jackson, Tennessee 38305.
Classes are in session for the same schedule as other Union University students.
For the Union University school calendar, please click on this link: https://www.uu.edu/academics/schedules/
The EDGE program may be a good fit for you if:
You enjoy being in an academic setting
You have good independence skills but are looking to improve them
You are wanting to experience college life
You are wanting to get a job after graduating college
You don't know if you want to go to college for two or three years
You want to live on campus while experiencing life away from home
To qualify for the EDGE program, you have to be:
Between the ages of 18-26 when starting the program
A diagnosed intellectual/developmental disability (IQ will be considered)
Graduated from high school with any diploma type (traditional, special education, alternative, or occupational diploma)
Motivated to become more independent and have a meaningful career
Ability to learn how to navigate Union University's campus independently
Have the desire to be apart of the EDGE program
You can apply on their website at: https://apply.uu.edu/apply/
Online Application
On Campus interview
Application opens: October 1st (the year before you plan to attend)
Application deadline: February (the year you plan to attend)
Decisions sent: March 15th
There is a $50 fee to apply, but if you apply before December 15th of the application cycle, this fee is waived.
Around 8-12 students are accepted for each cohort.
Tuition
$8,500 per semester (estimated for 2024-2025 school year and subject to change)
Additional $756 per semester for campus activities
Housing is between $3,850-$4,250 per semester.
Meal plan is around $1,520.
Vocational Rehabilitation ($5,000 per semester)
Pell Grants (up to $3,500 per semester)
FAFSA required, based on financial need
May also be eligible for Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) for those who have the greatest need
TSAA Grant (up to $4,000 per year)
FAFSA required, based on financial need
TN Step-Up Scholarship ($2,250 per semester)
FAFSA required, not based on financial need
TN Promise ($2,200 per semester)
FAFSA required, not based on financial need
Click on the links for more specific information on each program!
For information on completing the FAFSA, visit their website at https://studentaid.gov/
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
If you still have unanswered questions, you can contact Union University's EDGE program through:
Email Rebecca Holloway- Program Director at rholloway@uu.edu
Phone call at (731) 661-5382
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information from their website at https://uu.edu/programs/education/edge/
Can I take a tour of the EDGE program?
The EDGE program encourages visits and allows visitors to sit in on some of their classes, take a campus tour, and meet some current EDGE program students and traditional Union University students at preview days offered throughout each semester.
Click on this link to find out when their next preview days are and to register: https://uu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/campus-visits/preview-days.cfm
Do they have social media I can follow to learn more?
Follow the Union University EDGE program on Instagram @unionedgeprogram and like them on Facebook at The Union University EDGE Program!