Career, Independent Living and Learning Studies (CILLS)

ESU's Career, Independent Living & Learning Studies (CILLS) program is sponsored by the College of Education, Department of Special Education & Rehabilitation, the Career Development Center and Conference Services. It is a three-year (non-degree) program where individuals with intellectual disabilities gain a college experience and develop skills to enhance their abilities to live and work within their communities. It is a stand-alone certificate program and not a degree program. The program includes academic enrichment, enhanced socialization, increased independent living skills. The series of training activities and experiences culminate in an internship of work-based learning and the ability to audit regular classes; this all leads to the outcome of independent living and competitive employment. ESU CILLS program is highly recognized for its high-quality model with proven success.

Individuals participating in ESU's CILLS program experience daily an inclusive learning environment in multiple settings. Participants share in classroom learning studies to help gain knowledge of relevant functional learning needs and have the opportunity to apply them within their residential component and campus and community experiences. Participants have mentors to guide them and to support them in completing assigned school work, participate in campus life activities as well as community experience off campus. Finally, they have full access to the university services such as the Recreation Center to join in inclusive intermural activities as well as cultural and sporting events that may be on campus. In summary the program participants are fully-immersed into the campus social and academic experiences with on-campus coursework that supports their goals.

Indivuduals live in off-campus houses with other program participants, with a house mentor in each house.