LAUNCH Academy at USF

University of South Florida

LAUNCH Academy at USF
13301 Bruce B Downs Blvd
MHC 2113A
Tampa, FL 33612

Program Contact	Christine Hugh
Program Contact Email	lasinfo@usf.edu
Phone	8139742840
Website	Program website
Facebook	link to program Facebook page

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LAUNCH Academy (formerly the Learning Academy) at the University of South Florida is a customized 30-week transition program for students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities (including co-occurring ID). Core program components include: a unique, robust curriculum developed by staff, peer mentoring with USF students, program advisors, and Applied Learning Experiences.

Program information submitted: February 1, 2023

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:	17

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:	February 1st
Criteria for admission	Age range: 18-25
Accepts out-of-state students?	Yes
Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have:	Intellectual disability Autism mental health conditions, visual impairments, medical conditions, etc. Autism must be listed as a diagnosis.
Program length:	1 year

Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates
Acceptance rate for the most recent fall term:	80.00%
Notes on acceptance and attendance:	100

Cost
Average student tuition and fees for the current school year:	$9900.00
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) Tuition Waivers Vocational Rehabilitation Funds Gardiner scholarship, FL Prepaid, 529 plans

Academic
Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities):	Students do not take typical college courses
More about course access:	We prepare students for employment and/or college/technical school. Students that are college or technical school bound, take our College Prep course as an elective. The course was developed by LAUNCH staff. The course prepares students to make an informed choice of programs they'd like to attend and how to successfully apply. During our program students (who express interest) are provided opportunities to tour campuses, speak to college staff and other outlets.
Students take courses that are only for students in this program:	Yes
Information on special classes:	We prepare students for employment and/or college/technical school. Students that are college or technical school bound, take our College Prep course as an elective. The course was developed by LAUNCH staff. The course prepares students to make an informed choice of programs they'd like to attend and how to successfully apply. we also offer a computer course as an elective.
Percentage of academic time spent in inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities):	1-24%
Do all students in this program enroll in at least one inclusive college/university course for credit or audit each semester?	No
Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program:	LAUNCH Academy Certificate of Completion
Is the credential approved by the college/university?	Awarded by program, not officially recognized by the IHE
Other than the credential listed above, can students earn any other credentials that are available to all students?	Through their internship and computer course elective they can received industry recognized certifications

Employment
Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program:	30%
Other career development activities are:	Internships Volunteer work
Additional information about career development and work experience:	We place students in opportunities directly related to their field of interest. SOme career areas require college, technical school or other credentials that our student don't yet have so they are placed in structured, integrated internships and volunteer experiences. Many that are the same or similar to what degree seeking students get.
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:	No

Extracurricular
Students participate in student organizations on campus:	No
Percentage of social time spent in inclusive activities (open to all students on campus):	50-74%
Students may participate in the following extra-curricular activities	Club sports Campus events