Leadership & Career Studies

Leadership & Career Studies (L&CS) is a four-year inclusive college experience at Temple University for both young adults with intellectual disabilities and young adults who are on the autism spectrum.  L&CS provides students with an authentic college experience developing academic abilities, career aspirations, and independence .L&CS students are fully included in the variety of student activities, organizations, and clubs on the vibrant, urban campus at Temple University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Leadership & Career Studies is administered by the Institute on Disabilities, Pennsylvania’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities that is part of the College of Education at Temple University. Students of Leadership & Career Studies are fully integrated into the fabric of campus life as Temple University students. Students enroll in undergraduate and continuing education courses while developing employment skills and exploring career options. Students participate in the wide variety of student activities, cultural events, club sports, and student organizations available to all Temple students. Prior to students beginning their experience at Temple University, an individual academic plan is developed with each student. This plan details the student’s goals and objectives in the areas of Academics, Career Development, Independent Living, and Social Connections. Each Leadership & Career Studies student is matched with a team of  Temple University student coaches. Coaches support students in accessing the university’s rich resources. Current Temple students in good standing are recruited, hired, trained, and supervised by Leadership & Career Studies staff at the Institute on Disabilities to serve as effective and supportive mentors. Coaches support students as they participate in academic, recreational, and social activities. Students participate in a variety of employment experiences based on their preferences and develop the skills necessary for employment in their preferred field. All of these work opportunities are geared to support each student in obtaining competitive integrated employment consistent with the individual student’s desired employment goals. Graduates leave the program with an electronic portfolio, resume, and the skills and resources necessary to find competitive integrative employment. Upon completion of the four-year program, graduates receive a certificate of completion from the Institute on Disabilities, through the College of Education at Temple University.