EXCEL Partnership Program

Bridgewater State University

EXCEL Partnership Program
131 Summer Street
Bridgewater, MA 02325

Note: Serves only students from selected school districts.

Program Contact	Tina Raeke
Email	craeke@bridgew.edu
Phone	508-531-2109
Website	http://www.bridgew.edu/excel

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The EXCEL (Extraordinary Expectations for Career, Education and Life) Partnership program at Bridgewater State University (BSU) is a fully inclusive postsecondary program for young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Students in the EXCEL program share the same experiences as their college peers in the areas of academics, socialization, professional development, and independent living. Students become more independent and actively engaged in creating and living their lives, which actively fosters their self-determination. The EXCEL program partners with local school districts who support transition age students interested in having a college experience. Students who have successfully completed one year in the EXCEL Partnership commuter program, may be eligible to apply for the EXCEL Residence Life program. Residence Life students become fully immersed in BSU’s college life, while still receiving support from their partnering district. The Partnership program is an option for students recommended by their school district. Partnering districts pay for student participation.

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:	Are still enrolled in high school
Number of students:	30

Affiliates
School district or agency partner:	Carver, Dartmouth, Marshfield, Attleboro, Weymouth, Easton, North Attleboro, Norton, Lakeville, Pembroke, Somerset-Berkley, Hingham, Franklin, Whitman-Hanson, Bridgewater-Raynham, Brockton, Hanover, Silver Lake, Pilgrim Area Collaborative, Duxbury

Requirements
Deadline to apply to this program:	12/04/2020
Requirements for admission to this program:	18 - 22 Student must be enrolled in a particular school system/local educational agency Enrolled in a partnering school district Student is recommended by partnering district as a strong candidate Documentation of an Intellectual/Developmental Disability Currently receiving special education services in a partnering school district Tier 1 - ages 18 to 22, has not passed MCAS requirements Tier 2 - ages 20 to 22, has passed MCAS requirements, but still eligible for special education services because of significant functional disabilities, transition needs, etc. Demonstrates emotional stability and maturity; no history of disruptive or challenging behavior Solid high school attendance record Expresses interest in living and working as independently as possible in the community after completing the 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 Demonstrates communication skills adequate to interact with others on the BSU campus Able to adhere to the BSU Code of Conduct
Accepts out-of-state students?:	No
Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have:	Intellectual disability Autism
Program length:	Varies from student to student

Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates
Percent of students applying who are admitted:	97%
Retention rate:	71%

Cost
Cost of the program:	The fee for the 2020-2021 academic year is $4000 per semester
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:	Local School District funds

Academic
Students take these types of "typical" courses (with students who don't have disabilities):	Typical college courses for credit Typical college courses for audit
More about course access:	Students may register for any course offered at 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:	EXCEL Partnership Program Certificate of Completion
The credential(s) is/are:	Awarded by program, not officially recognized by Institute of Higher Education Just for students in this program

Employment
Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program:	50%
Other career development activities are:	Internships Volunteer work Community Service
Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program:	68%
We offer the following specialized credentials:	Certificate of Completion Ability to add college experience/BSU transcript (courses and internships) to resume for future employment opportunities. Career portfolio which includes resumes, cover letters, and letters of reference

Housing
Housing is provided to students:	Yes
Housing options available:	Inclusive on campus The EXCEL Residence Life program was piloted in 2016. Students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply to live in the BSU residence halls amongst their peers. Students are able to work on their independent living skills in a natural, safe environment. Students are supported by Peer Mentors and a program Resident Assistant who provide natural supports as needed.

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 Stepper’s Club, Children’s Physical Developmental Clinic, Film Viewer’s 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: Monday, June 15, 2020 - 07:55