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Excel at Georgia Tech

Excel at Georgia Tech
Georgia Institute of Technology
Excel at Georgia Tech
505 10th St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30332-0282
icon name
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Program Contact Ken Surdin
Program Contact Email ken.surdin@gatech.edu
Phone 4043858157
Website Program website
Facebook link to program Facebook page

The EXCEL Program offered by the Georgia Institute of Technology is a four-year college program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) leading to two separate Certificates.

Certificate 1: Academic Enrichment, Social Fluency, and Career Exploration
Certificate 2: Social Growth, Leadership, and Career Development

Program information submitted: February 9, 2024

General
Public or private: Public
Type of school: 4-year college or university
Is this program a federally funded TPSID program? No
Number of students: 30
Summer program name EXCEL Summer Academy
Description of our summer transition program: The Excel Summer Academy (ESA) is an opportunity for prospective students to experience a week in the life of an Excel student. During the week, campers will get the opportunity to take part in activities that will provide them with a better understanding of what college is like. Activities include a Campus wide scavenger hunt Improv w/ Autism Improvised Career Panel w/ former and cureent Excel students Introduction to Coding w/ Microbits Design Thinking Exercises Health and Wellness with Georgia Tech's Nutritionists Cooking Sessions Team Building at Georgia Tech's Leadership Course CRC Tour Exploring Atlanta (previous camps have gone to the Atlanta Zoo, World of Coke, Georgia Aquarium, or Civil Rights Museum) GT Athletics GT Spirit and Traditions with the Reck Club And much more.... The camp is a weeklong day camp focused on rising high school junior, seniors, or recent graduates with I/DD. The ESA also offers an opportunity for campers to meet current Excel students, mentors, staff, and potential classmates. In addition, the ESA allows staff to get to know the campers better, which may take some pressure off the interview and application process. Whether you’re still in high school or already accepted to start in the Fall, the camp allows students to get more comfortable with campus, build relationships, and experience what Excel would provide as a full-time student.
Requirements
Program serves students who have left high school? Yes, all of our students have left high school
Regular high school diploma required? No, an IEP/non-standard diploma/certificate of attendance is accepted
Deadline to apply to this program: varies -Please refer to website
Criteria for admission
  • Student must be 18 or older
  • Age range: 18-26
Accepts out-of-state students? Yes
Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have:
  • Intellectual disability
  • Developmental Disabilities
Planned program length
  • 4 years
Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates
Acceptance rate for the most recent fall term: 15.00%
Retention rate for first year students from the previous academic year to the current one: 100.00%
Cost
Average student tuition and fees for the current school year: $21640.00
Average out-of-state tuition, current year: $21640.00
Room and board: $12000.00
Additional costs: $0.00
Excel tuition and related expenses Excel Tuition and Fees (Estimated)/Per Year *Tuition is inclusive of voluntary student fees for campus access. Fee In-state / per year Out-of-state / per year Total Fees $21,640* $21,640* Georgia Tech Cost Estimates Per Year *Required books, supplies, computer, cell phone, personal expenses, and room and board, are not included. Please note fees are subject to change. Dining Hall Meal Plans $5,200 Personal Expenses $3,200 On-Campus Housing (dormitories with shared rooms and baths) $7,000-$10,000 (school year) Privately-owned Student Housing (Suites are furnished with private rooms, baths, kitchen, and common area.) $12,000-$16,000 for 12 month leases (costs vary) 2023-2024 EXCEL Cost Breakdown
Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)? Yes
Students pay for the program in the following ways:
  • Private pay (student and family)
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Funds
  • Scholarships
  • Federal Financial Aid
  • Grant Funding
Scholarships available: Coca Cola Foundation Scholarship EXCEL Scholarship of Excellence
Academic
Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): Typical college courses for audit
More about course access: Excel Curriculum The Excel program offers two certificates earned for 4 years: Academic Enrichment, Social Fluency, and Career Exploration. Earned at the end of the 2nd year Social Growth, Leadership, and Career Development. Earned at the end of the 4th year Excel students participate in a combination of 4 Excel courses and inclusive courses each semester, totaling 12 credit hours (see 4-year grid). Students, take inclusive courses alongside degree-seeking students. Inclusive course expectations are modified by the student's Academic Advisor who determines the appropriate modifications to the curriculum and course expectations. Inclusive courses are identified for each student on an individual basis to meet the student's interests and career goals identified in their person-centered planning meetings. List of inclusive courses our students have participated in: (insert PDF here) Students are supported in their academics through a peer-tutor program. Undergraduate students in each inclusive class are trained by the Excel program to work individually with students to assist in learning the course material. Students also have the opportunity to complete coursework during a study hall staffed by Teaching Assistants specific to the Excel Program.
Students take courses that are only for students in this program: Yes
Information on special classes: Excel courses that extend fundamentals, reinforce social skills, introduce independent living skills, and initiate career development. Excel courses include content in: Functional Reading and Writing Comprehension Health and Wellness Financial Literacy and Money Management Interpersonal Communication/Social Skills (PEERS Curriculum) Community Engagement Project-Based Learning Leadership Skills Career Exploration and Preparation Preparing for After-College Transitions
Percentage of academic time spent in inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): 50-74%
Do all students in this program enroll in at least one inclusive college/university course for credit or audit each semester? Yes
Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program: Certificate 1: Academic Enrichment, Social Fluency, and Career Exploration Certificate 2: Social Growth, Leadership, and Career Development
Is the credential approved by the college/university? Yes, this credential has been through a formal approval process at the IHE
Other than the credential listed above, can students earn any other credentials that are available to all students? Each additional certificate gained is customized based on the students individual career path.
Students in the program have access to the following campus-wide services:
  • Career services
  • Disability/accessibility services
  • Academic tutoring services
  • Health services
  • Access to a transcript via the registrar
Employment
Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: 50%
Other career development activities are:
  • Internships
  • Volunteer work
Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: 90%
Additional information about career development and work experience: The Excel program places a strong emphasis on work and preparing students to be successful in the careers once they graduate. Students will complete an internship every semester in the Excel Program, except their first semester when students are getting oriented on campus. This means that students will complete a minimum of 7 internships. Every semester students take a career course that supports student's transition to the workforce and build the skills needed on the job. Excel's current graduate employment rate is 92% (current as of January 2023). Excel internships start on campus and transition off campus as students have demonstrated their ability to meet basic employment standards. Class Year Internship hour/week Where? 1st Year 4-8 hours On Campus 2nd Year 6-10 hours On Campus 3rd Year 10-15 hours Off Campus 4th Year 15-40 hours Off Campus Our alumni work are in various industries after they graduate. Current alumni are working or worked at: Advanced Auto Parts Ansley Golf Course Aramark Brennan Industries, Inc. BrewAble Buckhead Theater City of Atlanta Recreational Department Dunwoody Preparatory School Georgia State University - Center for Leadership in Disability Georgia Tech CRC Georgia Tech Electrical College of Engineering Hojeij Branded Foods, LLC (division of Paradise Lagadere Travel Retail) Hotel Indigo Joseph Sam School LEAP at Eaton Academy Phase Family Learning Center Publix Randall Brothers Lumber Roswell Presbyterian Church Preschool Roswell Provisions State Farm Arena Texas Roadhouse and Stadium People Top Golf Truist Park/Braves Village Park Alpharetta Walgreen's Westgate Resort and Spa Zoo Atlanta In addition to internships, the Career Team helps students identify additional certifications that could help them in their career development. Students have completed additional certifications in: Supply Chain and Logistics through the LEAP program at Georgia Tech Forklift Certifications First Aid/CPR User Acceptance Testing - Spectrum Tech
Does this program have a working partnership with VR to provide funding, supports and/or services to students in the program? Yes
Housing
Housing is provided to students: Yes
Housing options available:
  • Inclusive on campus
Extracurricular
Students participate in student organizations on campus: Yes
Percentage of social time spent in inclusive activities (open to all students on campus): 100%
Students may participate in the following extra-curricular activities
  • Registered student organizations
  • Student government
  • Club sports
  • Campus events
Students participate in these campus-wide events:
  • College/University's Student orientation
  • College/University's Family orientation
  • College/University's Graduation