DREAM Program

Mercer County Community College's DREAM Program provides transition and postsecondary program opportunities for students whose limitations in both intellectual and adaptive behavior require significant additional supports to navigate the postsecondary environment. Upon successful application and acceptance to the program, identified students, ages 17-25, have the opportunity to reach individual goals in an inclusive and supportive college setting. All students are required to participate in courses that are uniquely designed for students in the DREAM Program, as well as Mercer County Community College (MCCC) general course offerings. Students register for college courses based on placement and may be permitted to audit classes in areas of interest. All students develop a MCCC transcript and have the opportunity to earn credits towards a MCCC certificate or degree. Students work closely with program staff each semester to identify and evaluate goals, build schedules, arrange for mandatory job shadowing experiences, and identify existing community supports. Participation in the DREAM program is generally limited to four semesters. Students who have achieved satisfactory academic progress throughout the four semesters and continue to have an identified goal may apply to continue with the DREAM Program for an additional fee. Other students may continue to pursue academic or vocational goals by taking credit or non-credit classes at MCCC but will no longer be eligible to receive the significant additional supports offered through the DREAM Program.