Eileen Hoffman Hafer UMatter Program

UMatter is an innovative inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) program for students with intellectual disability (ID) located at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP) campus. UMatter students will increase their skills in the five program components (academic access and enrichment, career development and employment, campus and community engagement, self-determination, and independent living) based on their individualized goals and tailored program of study. Students will complete their program of study by earning a certificate of completion and accomplishment from the UMatter program and a Career Readiness Badge from USF based upon their individualized career goals and program of study. The Career Readiness Badge addresses eight essential skills employers look for when hiring interns or new employees (career management, communications, critical thinking, global citizenship, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and technology). Students who successfully complete the program will obtain competitive employment aligned with their selected program of study. Students in UMatter express a strong desire to continue their education in an inclusive postsecondary setting, explore careers and engage in work-based learning opportunities, and live independently. Students in UMatter will physically attend the university and audit college courses, join and participate in campus and community clubs, organizations and activities, engage in internships, apply for jobs, obtain competitive employment, and become responsible members of their community. Students may have the option to live on campus at USFSP which is a unique opportunity in that less than half of the inclusive postsecondary programs in Florida feature an on-campus residential component, complete with support from residential coaches.