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EXCEL Certificate Program

EXCEL Certificate Program
Bridgewater State University
EXCEL Certificate Program
66 Hooper Street
Bridgewater, MA 02325
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Program Contact Tina Raeke
Email craeke@bridgew.edu
Phone 508-531-2109
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The EXCEL (Extraordinary Expectations for Career Education and Life) Certificate Program at Bridgewater State University (BSU) is a fully inclusive postsecondary program for young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. EXCEL Certificate in a non-credit, two-year certificate program offered through BSU's College of Continuing Studies. Students in the EXCEL Certificate program receive a BSU endorsed certificate once completing the two-year program plan of study.  EXCEL Certificate applicants may apply as a commuter or residence life student.

General
Public or private: Public
Type of school: 4-year college or university
Is this program a federally funded TPSID program? No
Students in this program: Have graduated or exited from high school
Number of students: 2
Requirements
Deadline to apply to this program: 12/4/2020
Requirements for admission to this program:
  • Other diploma (e.g., IEP diploma, certificate of attendance)

    • Documented intellectual/developmental disability 

    • Must be at least 18 years old 

    • Have successfully completed four years of high school and no longer enrolled in a school district 

    • Previously enrolled in a high school special education program that did not lead to completion of a regular high school diploma  

    • Unable to access college by meeting typical entrance criteria 

    • Eagerness to continue education in a college setting 

    • Demonstrate communication skills adequate to interact with others on the BSU campus 

    • Demonstrate emotional stability and maturity; no history of disruptive or challenging behaviors 

    • Able to self-administer medications 

    • Express interest in living and working as independently as possible in the community after completing the EXCEL Program; a vision supported by family/guardian. 

    • Desire to build upon self-determination and self-advocacy skills; a vision supported by family/guardian 

    • Able to identify job-related interests and career goals; ultimate goal is paid employment 

    • Able to adhere to the BSU Code of Conduct 
Accepts out-of-state students?: Yes
Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have:
  • Intellectual disability
  • Autism
  • Developmental
Program length: 2 years
Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates
Percent of students applying who are admitted: 100%
Cost
Cost of the program:

  • Program specific fees – Commuter - $17,000 Resident - $20,000  

  • Tuition amount –   $468.25 per credit (typical course = 3 credits)  

  • Room and board –  Standard 2-Person Room - $7,948 per year  

  • Additional costs –  Meal plan (mandatory for resident students) ranges from $2,067.00 to $2,426.00, *Books, supplies, transportation, parking, etc. 
Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)? No
Students pay for the program in the following ways:
  • Private pay (student and family)
  • Adult intellectual/developmental disability state agency funds
Academic
Students take these types of "typical" courses (with students who don't have disabilities): Typical college courses for audit
More about course access:

Students may register for any course offered by BSU, as long as they meet the required prerequisites.   Students receive support from an Education Coach inside and outside of the classroom. 
Time spent only with other students in this program: None of the time
Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program: BSU Endorsed - EXCEL Program Certificate
The credential(s) is/are:
  • Continuing education credential
  • Just for students in this program
Employment
Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: 0%
Other career development activities are:
  • Internships
  • Community Service
We offer the following specialized credentials:

 

  • BSU EXCEL Certifate (after successful completion of 2 years on the program)
  • Internship experience 
  • Community Service 
  • Development of personal career portfolio (resumes, cover letters, references, etc) 
  • Job Exploration 
  • Career Assessments 
  •  Interviewing skills  
  • Advising from BSU Career Services  
  • Track and evaluate employability skills progress on the job site 
Housing
Housing is provided to students: Yes
Housing options available:
  • Inclusive on campus
Extracurricular
Students participate in student organizations on campus: Yes
Proportion of time spent only with other students in this program: None of the time
Students have participated in these social/extracurricular activities and organizations:

BSU Band, Irish Steppers Club, Children’s Physical Developmental Clinic, Film Viewers Club, BSU Best Buddies, Residence Hall Association, Program Council, Students Accepting a Challenge, Bingo nights, Comedy shows, Open Mic nights, theater events, athletic events, Midnight Madness, Relay for Life, Homecoming weekend...and much more! 
Last updated: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 - 12:07