1. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career PATHS | Bridge to Career (B2C) in Human Services Texas A&M University Financial support for the Bridge to Career in Human Services is provided by the Texas Council for Disabilities with Federal funds* made available by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. *$225,000 (75%) federal funds; $75,000 (25%) match funds. paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu

2. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career The PATHS | B2C Program in our student’s words paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu

3. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career What is a Direct Support Professional (DSP)? A person who supports other people with disabilities and older people to live in their communities. A Direct Support Professional sees their work as a career, not just a job. A Direct Support Professional actively uses person centered tools and practices when supporting others. A Direct Support Professional believes and practices equity in relationship with the people they support. paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu

4. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career What is a Childcare Professional (CCP)? A person who supports children (0-5 years) in a childcare setting. A Childcare Professional sees their work as a career, not just a job. A Childcare Professional actively uses and demonstrates the six core childcare competencies when working with children. A Childcare Professional believes and practices equity in relationship with the people they support. paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu

5. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career Project Background Purpose: To provide individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) access to an inclusive postsecondary education program, which prepares them for employment in the health and human service field Location: College Station, TX – Texas A&M University Partnerships: Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living (BVCIL), Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University, other local agencies, health care providers, and individuals with disabilities seeking direct support paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu

6. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career Project Overview Summer: 4 weeks On-campus dorm living –7 days/week Classroom instruction –5 days/week –Professionalism –Self-Advocacy –Human Development & Social Relationships Independent Living Skills training (community) College Prep Fall/Spring Follows A&M semester schedule Fall semester –15 full weeks academic training DSP/CCP Professionalism Practicum Preparation Communication –Observation of career environment –Volunteering at community events Spring semester –Practicum placement (15 hours/week) –Attend class 1 day/week paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu

7. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career Sample Schedule – Summer paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu

8. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career Sample Schedule – Fall paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu

9. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career Guiding Principles PATHS | B2C is inclusive & recruits students from a wide range of experiences & cultural backgrounds. DSP: Reflects the NADSP Code of Ethics and is Nationally Accredited CCP: Courses are Accredited through Texas A&M Extension Supporting others as a DSP/CCP is a career. People with disabilities who choose a career as a DSP/CCP bring their own set of unique experiences and skills to the position b2c.tamu.edu paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu

10. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career Supporting Components Universal Design of Classroom Texas A&M Student Mentors Tutoring Project Staff & Instructors Project Advisory Committee (PAC) Program Partners: DARS BVCIL (Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living) TAMU Student Health Promotion TAMU Career Center On & Off-campus Housing paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu

11. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career Major Accomplishments Total Graduation Number for the first 3 cohorts 2011-2015 (N=56) Job at graduation = 84% Job at 1 year = 88% Graduation rate = 75-80% Average Earning Wage at 1 year = $9.00/hr. Currently, 31 students enrolled for the 2015- 2016 cohort Number of individuals impacted: exponential paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu

12. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career Acceptance Letter Major Accomplishments paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu

13. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career College Life paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu

14. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career College Life paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu

15. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career Texas A&M Undergraduates Lathan Moore Senior, Engineering Technology Houston, TX I LOVE being a mentor because at the end of the day I know that I am making a difference in the lives of others each day. I feel that after graduating, my job will assist me in being more open minded to everyone and their circumstances and situations. It will also help me in the case of problem solving when it comes to working with others, as well as working and thinking on my toes. Lastly, being an engineer it will also give me the ability to help create and innovate to help cater to the world of disabilities, something which I feel does not get enough attention.

16. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career Texas A&M Undergraduates Jade Ruiz Special Education, Senior Pottsboro, TX As a mentor, it makes me to proud to see the students accomplish their goals that have been set. It's amazing to see the progress each student makes throughout the program! Being a mentor will help me with my career after graduation because this is exactly what I want to spend my life doing. Once I receive my bachelor's degree, I plan to go straight into a doctorate program for special education with an emphasis in transition.

17. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career Texas A&M Undergraduates Bianca Zapata Interdisciplinary Studies, Junior San Antonio, TX The best part about being a mentor is seeing the growth in the students. Many of these students have been either told, treated, or felt like they couldn't amount to much because of their disability. Being a part of of even one person's growth is an amazing feeling. The PATHS/B2C program has completely changed my career path after I graduate. Before the program I wanted to work with young kids who had disabilities and were bilingual speakers. Now, because of my connections with the students and the experience that my supervisors have given me, I want to work for the PATHS program and continue in helping change the lives of young adults, who before this program, might have not had the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

18. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career Bridge to Career | PATHS Graduates I just wanted to let you know that I am now officially a licensed CNA! In my opinion, it has many of the same attributes as a DSP. You deal with the elderly and you are there to suit their needs. My advice for those who would want to pursue this is to be very serious about everything. Also, realize that there are times when you have to do unpleasant things like cleaning up after a person who had a bathroom accident. And always, ALWAYS, be respectful and calm. PATHs has helped me be more independent in career searching and also has helped me understand more the importance of helping others! With my certification from A&M and my certification from the CNA, I can lead a successful and fulfilling life and career! Spencer Langseth

19. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career Bridge to Career | PATHS Graduates Howdy, I like my job. Gig 'Em, Darius Young

20. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career Submission of Application - Online: paths.tamu.edu Choose your “track” DSP – Direct Support Professional CCP – Child Care Professional Applications are currently LIVE! Close on February 29 th Open House: January 30 th 2016 Acceptance letters will be mailed April 2016 paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu

21. Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services Bridge to Career Program Contact Information Mary Whirley Program Coordinator mwhirley3@tamu.edu paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu 979-458-0169 paths.tamu.edu b2c.tamu.edu