Student Success in Post-Secondary Education PACEC November 11, 2016 Linda

Career Studies Program Penn State Harrisburg Career Studies offers students with disabilities the opportunity to participate in inclusive learning environments on a college campus. The individualized post-secondary education program targets individuals ages 18-25 with intellectual disabilities, who have completed secondary education or are in their final years of high school. Applicants are those who have not been able to access college by meeting typical entrance criteria. Linda

Overview Career Studies includes academic coursework, customer relations and life transitions coursework, career field trips, job-shadowing, and practicum experiences. Academic and social support is provided by peer mentors. Linda

Key Elements Individualized person-centered planning. One to two year individualized program based on individual student interests and the time needed to progress through the program. First semester: Minimum of one academic course (for credit or audit); Customer Relations Coursework (Continuing Education non-credit bearing course); Career exploration: job shadowing. Second semester and beyond: Minimum of one academic course; Customer Relations Coursework as needed. Career exploration moves to individual practicum opportunities with employers. Linda The Career Studies program is a one-to two year program depending on the individual student’s interests and the time needed to progress through the program. Students in the first semester complete Customer Relations coursework and job shadow in local businesses with support from a job coach. Students who complete the Customer Relations coursework will have the opportunity to take the nationally recognized National Retail Foundation exam. In their second and subsequent semesters students participate in practicum opportunities of no less than two days per week, as identified in their person centered plans

Goal The primary goal of the program is competitive employment. Students aim to reach that goal through inclusive campus experiences, person centered planning, academic enrichment, and peer support that builds self-confidence and self-determination skills. Linda

Educational Support Services Job coach/employment specialist identifies employment skills and preferences – through Discovery (Griffin & Hammis). Peer mentors - Penn State Harrisburg students provide support. Campus supports available, eg, ODS, Learning Center. Jenny

Academic Coursework Students enroll in at least one academic course each semester. Course selection will be based on student interest, schedule, and course availability. Students may audit the course or take the course for credit. Peer Mentor support is provided in class and for course assignments. Penn State Harrisburg academic course tuition and fees apply. Jenny

Career Exploration Job shadow experiences help discovery of the individual student's vocational themes, talents and interests. Selection of practicum is based on the student's vocational themes and person-centered planning process. The amount of time the student devotes to the practicum experience will increase as the student progresses through the program. Jenny

Peer Mentor Support Peer mentor support is available to students who are enrolled in the program. Peer mentors are full-time Penn State Harrisburg undergraduate students or graduate students. Tonya

Contact Information Dr. Linda Rhen - Principal Investigator & Director - lxr29@psu.edu -( 717) 948 6638 Dr. Brenda Firestone - Co-Principal Investigator - blf3@psu.edu - (717) 948 6538 Jenny Slatt M.Ed. - Program Instructor/Coordinator - jls1235@psu.edu Tonya Bishop – Peer Mentor Coordinator - tonyabishop911@gmail.com For more information and an application, please go to the Penn State Harrisburg website at: http://harrisburg.psu.edu/career-studies-program The Career Studies Program was developed with the support of a grant from the D.R.E.A.M. Partnership.