College Steps (New York)

College Steps is a non-profit organization that partners with colleges and universities to support students with social, communication, or learning challenges (including but not limited to students with significant learning disabilities, autism, developmental, or intellectual disabilities), ages 16-26, with their college pursuits. The mission of College Steps is to expand supports for young adults with the functional skills sufficient to transition to a college environment, but who remain challenged to succeed and thrive in this adult learning setting without additional supports. College Steps is committed to transition services, and specializes in preparing students for meaningful careers, higher education, and autonomy after graduation. We place strong emphasis on inclusion, self-advocacy, employment, and independent living skills and aim to provide high quality educational support for students who are interested in pursuing a college primer experience during their transition year(s) in high school. In addition to the high school transition model, College Steps also offers contracted support hours for college students enrolled at participating colleges and the option of a two-year certificate program for students (ages 18-26) interested in receiving a college experience and job training on a college campus. Our students are supported by one of our full-time program coordinators and are mentored by fully matriculated college students. The majority of the day-to-day support students receive is through their work with the peer mentors, which allows for a truly inclusive environment and is one of the features of our model we are most proud of. College Steps students typically spend 25 hours per week on campus, take 1-2 courses per semester, and would be considered tuition paying non-matriculated students. College Steps is able to partner with virtually any college or university that emphasizes inclusively and is interested in opening its doors to this unique and novel supportive learning model. Our program is offered at no cost to our collegiate partners and offers a wonderful opportunity for matriculated students to take part in a valuable mentoring experience. Finally, a small class size of up to 10 students per year allows our staff to fully meet the needs of the scholars. College Steps is currently partnered with seven colleges and universities across New England and the Mid Atlantic and is sustainably developing at least two new partnerships per year. If you feel there is a need in your community that has yet to be filled or if you are interested in one of our existing programs, please reach out to us.