Career and Community Studies (TCNJ)

Established in 2006, The Career and Community Studies Program (CCS) is a four-year transition/post- secondary, certificate based residential program for young adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. CCS is sanctioned as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) for students with intellectual disabilities as approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Located in the School of Education on the beautiful campus of The College of New Jersey (one of New Jersey's premier institutions of higher education), CCS is designed to provide academic, career readiness and student life experiences in a highly supportive yet challenging campus environment. Each student begins their journey in the program with the development of a student-centered plan, through their participation in the Personal Exploration 101 course. Specific objectives will be developed and assessed through coursework in four central areas; liberal studies, vocational development, independent living and student life. This plan will be reviewed and assessed throughout the four years in a variety of ways, assuring outcomes grounded in self-direction, cohesive and meaningful outcomes. Students receive individualized support from trained and supervised TCNJ peer mentors in coursework, field -based experiences on/off campus and student/campus life. CCS students are part of the campus fiber with full inclusion and involvement in clubs, intramural/club sports teams and all social activities. CCS students have been founders of new clubs, served on executive boards of clubs, been involved in student government, rushed service fraternities and much more. Students who successfully complete the program earn a certificate of completion in Career and Community Studies sanctioned by The Board of Directors of The College of New Jersey. Students partake in all commencement ceremonies/activities alongside their peers. In addition to the four-year course of study CCS does offer an academic "theme based" honors summer session (5 weeks/culminating trip) and a 5th year independent study program. Both of these initiatives are independent of the 4-year certificate program. CCS also offers a 2-year articulation option to students who have successfully completed Bergen County Community College Turning Point Program.