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Aggies Elevated

Aggies Elevated
Utah State University - Logan (Main Campus)
Aggies Elevated
2865 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322
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Program Contact Lindsay Thunell
Program Contact Email aggieselevated@usu.edu
Phone 4357971512
Website Program website
Facebook link to program Facebook page

Aggies Elevated is designed to empower college-age students with I/DD to become resilient problem-solvers and self-determined citizens of inclusive communities. With the assistance of staff and invited stakeholders, Aggies Elevated students create a person-centered plan to identify challenges, build on individual strengths, seek out and utilize supports, and encourage personal responsibility in five domains (Lifelong Learning, Independent Living, Community Involvement, Self-Advocacy, and Career Development). The program’s goal for graduates is competitive integrated employment, full community inclusion, and independent living to their highest ability.

Program information submitted: January 11, 2024

General
Public or private: Public
Type of school: 4-year college or university
Is this program a federally funded TPSID program? No
Number of students: 10
Requirements
Program serves students who have left high school? Yes, all of our students have left high school
Regular high school diploma required? No, an IEP/non-standard diploma/certificate of attendance is accepted
Deadline to apply to this program: December 31
Criteria for admission
  • Student must be 18 or older
  • Age range: 18-26
Accepts out-of-state students? Yes
Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have:
  • Intellectual disability
  • Autism
  • Traumatic Brain Injury, ADHD, Speech-Language, and other related conditions
Planned program length
  • 2 years
Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates
Retention rate for first year students from the previous academic year to the current one: 75.00%
Cost
Average student tuition and fees for the current school year: $8306.00
Average out-of-state tuition, current year: $24222.00
Room and board: $5700.00
Program fees: $8000.00
Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)? Yes
Students pay for the program in the following ways:
  • Private pay (student and family)
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Funds
  • Scholarships
  • Federal Financial Aid
  • Veteran or Military Benefits
Scholarships available: Here is a list of some of the scholarships available to Aggies Elevated students. Please see our website for more details about award amounts and requirements. Utah Promise Scholarship Powell Scholarship Naté Dearden Memorial Scholarship Aggies Elevated Program Scholarship
Academic
Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities):
  • Typical college courses for credit
  • Typical college courses for audit
More about course access: The certificate requires that students take inclusive college courses to graduate. Aggies Elevated students attend classes alongside their typical peers all across campus and in some community venues. Courses in the University catalog are available to Aggies Elevated students the same as any other enrolled student at the institution. Classes may be taken for credit or audit, as arranged with program staff and each course instructor. Accommodations are arranged through the USU Disability Resource Center. Here are some examples of courses they have taken: BCIS 2210 QO1 - Linux and Web Server Administration, BCIS 1540 QO1 - Cloud Computing, GEO 1010 PB2 - Introduction to Geology, CHEM 1010 PB1 - Introduction to Chemistry, CJ 1030 PT1 - Introduction to Firearms Handling/Safety, PHYS 1200 Introduction to Physics by Hands-on Exploration, CMST 2110 Interpersonal Communication, BUSN 1310 Introduction to Business Management; CJ 1300 Introduction to Corrections; RAM 1000 Introduction to Recreation Services, SPED 4300 - What is Normal?: Introduction to Disability Studies, SW 1010 Introduction to Social Welfare; and ELED 1010 Orientation to Elementary Education, PHIL 1000 Introduction to Philosophy, ANTH 1010 Cultural Anthropology. The list grows every semester!!
Students take courses that are only for students in this program: Yes
Information on special classes: The purpose of program-specific courses (just for students with IDD) is to build foundational academic, social, independent living, and career/employment skills. These courses prepare students for success in inclusive academic classes and employment settings and develop important life skills. They provide individualized support while maintaining high expectations and pushing students to grow. All program-specific courses are credit-bearing and mirror traditional college class expectations (attendance, grades, completing assignments, doing quality work, natural consequences). These courses were developed for college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, brain injury, and other cognitive impairments. They are technically open to all students at the university, but access is typically restricted to referrals from the Disability Resource Center, Student Support Services, and other campus offices who work with underserved populations.
Percentage of academic time spent in inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): 50-74%
Do all students in this program enroll in at least one inclusive college/university course for credit or audit each semester? Yes
Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program: Certificate of Proficiency - Integrated College & Community Studies
Is the credential approved by the college/university? Yes, this credential has been through a formal approval process at the IHE
Other than the credential listed above, can students earn any other credentials that are available to all students? Aggies Elevated students can earn a variety of credentials and certificates with program staff support. These include Associate Degrees, food handlers permits, and other certificates available on campus. Aggies Elevated students are fully matriculated so they have access to any of the Universities...
Students in the program have access to the following campus-wide services:
  • Career services
  • Disability/accessibility services
  • Academic tutoring services
  • Health services
  • Mental health/counseling services
  • Access to a transcript via the registrar
  • Academic advising services (not program staff)
Employment
Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: 80%
Other career development activities are:
  • Internships
  • Volunteer work
Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: 75%
Additional information about career development and work experience: The program does not prioritize paid employment during year one while students are still working to get the hang of being college students and living away from home. There are many employment and career development courses and activities from the first semester on that help students be ready to obtain meaningful and inclusive employment after graduation. Students participate in Program Career courses both semesters of their first year. Employment-related activities the first year include Career Assessments, Job Exploration, Informational Interviews, Job Shadows, Practice Interviews, Resume & Cover Letter development, and Job Searching and Application assignments. During their second year (and third, if applicable) in the program, students take an Internship class each semester and work at Internship sites. Nearly all Internships are paid work experience. Each placement is based on individual student career interests and goals. Many aspects of the program also indirectly build work readiness and “soft skills”. Soft skills are vital for employment and success in life. Skills developed include: Time management, paying attention, following instructions, staying on task, advocating and asking for help, planning & organizing, flexibility, emotion regulation and stress management, communication, social skills, and problem-solving.
Does this program have a working partnership with VR to provide funding, supports and/or services to students in the program? Yes
Housing
Housing is provided to students: Yes
Housing options available:
  • Inclusive on campus
Extracurricular
Students participate in student organizations on campus: Yes
Percentage of social time spent in inclusive activities (open to all students on campus): 100%
Students may participate in the following extra-curricular activities
  • Registered student organizations
  • Student government
  • Club sports
  • Campus events
  • Fraternities/sororities
Students participate in these campus-wide events:
  • College/University's Student orientation
  • College/University's Family orientation
  • College/University's Graduation