OCTOBER 18, 2018
LIVING RESOURCES ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF CAREERNEXT PROGRAM
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SUNY SCHENECTADY
Program Now Accepting Applications for Spring 2019 Semester
Albany, NY – Living Resources today announced the details of its CareerNext program, a residential program in partnership with SUNY Schenectady, that helps individuals with autism and learning differences develop the confidence and skills they need to find success in college. The program is now accepting applications for the inaugural Spring 2019 semester.
“We are excited to announce the details of the CareerNext program,” said Jen Brady, assistant executive director, Living Resources. “We recognize that many individuals with autism or learning differences sometimes struggle in college without the foundational support programs they had in high school. CareerNext puts those supports in place and teaches students to advocate for themselves, a skill that will carry them through college and through life.”
Individuals must apply and be accepted into both the CareerNext program and at SUNY Schenectady. Applicants to the CareerNext program must have graduated high school with a regents or local diploma.
Applicants may have had an IEP or 504 plan in high school. Some may have tried a standard college program on their own and found that they could use some extra support.
Once accepted, students will be dual-enrolled at SUNY Schenectady and in the CareerNext program. Students will work closely with CareerNext counselors to develop a personalized program, making sure that they are getting the right combination of academic, social and independence support. They take CareerNext classes to develop independence skills and SUNY Schenectady classes toward their degree. Students are fully integrated into the SUNY Schenectady community, taking the same classes, living in the same residence halls and pursuing the same certificates and degrees as their peers.
“We designed the CareerNext program to be completely individualized,” said Colleen Dergosits, coordinator of student life and admissions for CareerNext. “Each student comes to us with his or her own challenges, and we work with that student on a personalized strategy. Our biggest goal for each CareerNext student is to master the specific skills they need to be independent and successful in college and beyond.”
CareerNext students can pursue a wide range of career-oriented programs at SUNY Schenectady, including IT, early childhood education and culinary arts. Students choose a certificate or associate-degree track.
- Certificate programs are designed to help individuals prepare for immediate entry into an occupation or to upgrade existing skills.
- Career programs, such as the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) degree and the Associate in Occupational Studies (A.O.S) degree, allow students to earn their associate degree and prepare for employment in their chosen field after graduation.
CareerNext is an open-ended program. When students feel ready, they can leave the program, stay at SUNY Schenectady or transfer, as appropriate, to other college programs.
Students will live at the College Suites at Washington Square, located across the street from SUNY Schenectady. Each student will live in a 2-4 bedroom, furnished suite. A residential staff will teach students menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking and housekeeping skills, giving students the knowledge and support they need to live independently.
About Living Resources
Founded in 1974, Living Resources is dedicated to providing life-enhancing services to more than 1,200 individuals with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries. Focused on creating opportunities for full community integration for all persons, Living Resources’ programming also includes clinical services, day habilitation, employment services, fine arts classes, hearing and interpreting services, after school programming, service coordination, and the College Experience Program in collaboration with The College of Saint Rose.
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