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Noorthoek Academy

Noorthoek Academy
Grand Rapids Community College
Noorthoek Academy
143 BOSTWICK AVE NE
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503-3201
Program Contact Linda Vantol
Program Contact Email lindavantol@grcc.edu
Phone 6162344123
Website Program website
Facebook link to program Facebook page

Noorthoek Academy, located in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan's beautiful downtown, provides an affordable college experience, offering continuing education inclusion experiences in the arts and sciences for adults with intellectual disabilities. We are dedicated to creating life-long learning and inclusion opportunities to enrich people’s lives.
The Academy is designed for students who want to expand their knowledge and enrich their lives by learning more about the world around them. We provide many opportunities for self-expression and development of creative talents. We explore the natural sciences and liberal arts while learning about other countries and cultures using a dynamic, hands on approach. Being on a college campus and integrating into the mainstream, students have the opportunity to increase their self-confidence and independence while making friends in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement.

Program information submitted: January 10, 2024

General
Public or private: Public
Type of school: 2-year community college or junior college
Is this program a federally funded TPSID program? No
Number of students: 95
Affiliates
School district or agency partner: All
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: September 1
Criteria for admission
  • Student must be 18 or older
Accepts out-of-state students? Yes
Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have:
Planned program length Varies from student to student
Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates
Acceptance rate for the most recent fall term: 100.00%
Retention rate for first year students from the previous academic year to the current one: 98.00%
Cost
Average student tuition and fees for the current school year: $500.00
Average out-of-state tuition, current year: $500.00
Program fees: $0.00
Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)? We are not a CTP, and have no plans to become one.
Students pay for the program in the following ways:
  • Private pay (student and family)
  • Scholarships
  • Local School District funds
  • Grant Funding
Scholarships available: Noorthoek Academy scholarship application
Academic
Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): Typical Continuing Education courses
More about course access: Sixteen students took a GRCC course along with our Noorthoek courses. It is optional. Courses range from Physical education to Science courses.
Students take courses that are only for students in this program: Yes
Information on special classes: t is the mission of Noorthoek Academy to provide a continuing education in the arts and sciences to students with learning challenges and other intellectual disabilities, with the purpose of expanding horizons, exciting curiosity, and encouraging self-expression. Topics range from cultural studies, history, government, health, current issues, film production and so much more.
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: Honorary College Degree awarded for the President of the College.
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? Celebration Certificate
Students in the program have access to the following campus-wide services:
  • Disability/accessibility services
  • Mental health/counseling services
Employment
Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: 20%
Other career development activities are:
  • Volunteer work
  • Community Service
Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: 5%
Additional information about career development and work experience: a variety of work is represented in our program
Does this program have a working partnership with VR to provide funding, supports and/or services to students in the program? No
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): 1-24%
Students may participate in the following extra-curricular activities
  • Registered student organizations
  • Campus events
Students participate in these campus-wide events:
  • College/University's Student orientation
  • College/University's Family orientation
  • College/University's Graduation