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Bridge to Earning, Learning and Living (BELL)

Bridge to Earning, Learning and Living (BELL)
Roberts Wesleyan University
Bridge to Earning, Learning and Living (BELL)
Roberts Wesleyan University
2301 Westside Dr
Rochester, NY 14624
icon name
Program Contact Mikaela Potter
Program Contact Email Potter_Mikaela@roberts.edu
Phone 585-594-6610
Website Program website

The Bridge to Earning Learning and Living (BELL) Program is an inclusive postsecondary certificate program offered by Roberts Wesleyan University on campus for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are transitioning to adulthood. The program is a partnership between CP Rochester, Monroe 2 Orleans BOCES, and Roberts Wesleyan University.

The BELL Program focuses on authentic inclusive experiences that provide academic enrichment, socialization, and the acquisition of life and vocational skills necessary for sustainable and gainful employment. A key component of this program is that all members of the campus community can benefit from inclusive experiences.

All courses, activities, and work experiences are catered to students’ individual career goals and interests. Personal enrichment, independence, and preparation for competitive employment after graduation are goals for all students.

Program information submitted: February 27, 2023

General
Public or private: Private
Type of school: 4-year college or university
Is this program a federally funded TPSID program? No
Number of students: 9
Affiliates
School district or agency partner: Monroe 2 Orleans BOCES
Contact person: David Liesegang
Email: Dliesega@monroe2boces.org
Requirements
Program serves students who have left high school? Some of our students have left high school
Deadline to apply to this program: March 15th for each upcoming academic year
Criteria for admission
  • Students will need to be a part of the BOCES Transition program or receive OPWDD services and work with CP Rochester.
Accepts out-of-state students? No
Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have:
  • Intellectual disability
Planned program length 2 years
Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates
Acceptance rate for the most recent fall term: 67.00%
Retention rate for first year students from the previous academic year to the current one: 75.00%
Notes on acceptance and attendance: Accepted 6 out of 9 applicants, each year there are only a certain number of spots available based of the previous graduating class.
Cost
Average student tuition and fees for the current school year: $6525.00
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)
  • Scholarships
  • Adult intellectual/developmental disability state agency funds
  • Local School District funds
  • Federal Financial Aid
Scholarships available: Complete the "Free Application for Federal Student Aid" (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov, available on October 1st for the following academic year. The Federal school code for Roberts is 002805. See if you are eligible for the federal Pell Grant!
Academic
Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): Typical college courses for audit
More about course access: Most students audit classes. Rarely, students take courses for traditional undergraduate credit, however in spring of 2018 one student took 3 college courses for credit, and one student took 1 college course for credit. Studies who take a course for credit are second year students or have come back after completing the program.
Students take courses that are only for students in this program: Yes
Information on special classes: Students participate in functional academic courses taught by the staff of the different partners. Independent Life skills and vocational skills are a primary focus. The program offers an Intro to college class to all incoming students of the program. Students will also participate in high school requirement classes and different groups based off of what partner the student works with.
Percentage of academic time spent in inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): 25-49%
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 Completion
Is the credential approved by the college/university? Yes, this credential has been through a formal approval process at the IHE
Employment
Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: 40%
Other career development activities are:
  • Internships
  • Volunteer work
  • Community Service
Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: 60%
Additional information about career development and work experience: Our hope is to provide on campus internships for students to help identify areas they like and dislike to help aid in further career goals.
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: No
Housing options available:
Extracurricular
Students participate in student organizations on campus: Yes
Percentage of social time spent in inclusive activities (open to all students on campus): 50-74%
Students may participate in the following extra-curricular activities
  • Registered student organizations
  • Student government
  • Campus events
Students participate in these campus-wide events: College/University's Graduation