1581 Dodd Drive
257 McCampbell Hall
Columbus, OH 43210
| Program Contact | Jessie Green |
| Jessie.green@osumc.edu | |
| Phone | 614-685-3185 |
| Website | http://nisonger.osu.edu/adult/adult-clinics-services/tops/ |
TOPS is a two- or four-year postsecondary program at The Ohio State University for high school graduates with intellectual disabilities. This inclusive program offers students the opportunity to engage in lifelong learning by auditing classes, increase employability skills through the participation in internships, and gain skills in living independently at a near by apartment complex (not required). Students enrolled in the TOPS program can expect to receive both natural (peers), staff and technology supports in all phases of their program.
| General | |
|---|---|
| Public or private: | Public |
| Type of school: | 4-year college or university |
| Is this program a federally funded TPSID program? | Yes |
| Students in this program: | Have graduated or exited from high school |
| Number of students: | 18 |
| Description of our summer transition program: |
The COTA Program is held over a seven-day period. It is designed for students who are accepted and attending the TOPS Program for Fall admission OR students who are entering their junior or senior year of high school.
|
| Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Deadline to apply to this program: | January 31 |
| Link to admissions process: | Admissions link |
| Requirements for admission to this program: |
|
| Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have: |
|
| Program length: | Varies from student to student |
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Tuition amount: | $1,881.80 |
| Room and board: | $0.00 |
| Program specific fees: | $5,511.20 |
| Additional costs: |
$0.00 With the application process there will be an application fee. Students who enroll in TOPS will be required to attend the summer COTA program for an additional fee. Some students choose to bring spending money to the COTA program; all other costs are included in the cost of the COTA program. Once enrolled and courses begin students are most successfull when they have their own technology whether it be a laptop or a tablet. TOPS does have technology that can be loaned out if needed. Students are required to purchase the textbooks for their classes; costs will vary from semester to semester for books. Room and Board is not included as off-campus housing is not required. Out-of-state students will be assessed an additional fee by the University. |
| Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)? | Yes |
| Students pay for the program in the following ways: |
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| Scholarships available: |
The TOPS program has a scholarship which is a competitive funding source that provides $1,000 per semester. Students must achieve a passing grade and/or Satisfactory rating in all of their classes in order to receive continued funding for the 2nd semester. Students must reapply for the scholarship each year. |
| Academic | |
|---|---|
| Students take these types of "typical" courses (with students who don't have disabilities): |
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| Students take courses that are only for students in this program: | Yes |
| Information on special classes: |
Students participate in a program level course. As a first year student students have class 4 days per week for their course on Independent Living and Job Readiness. As a second year, students complete a course on Personal Adjustment. If a student is completeing the 4 year program, they will take an independent study course during their third and fourth year of the program. |
| Time spent only with other students in this program: | Less than 25% of the time |
| Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program: | Workforce Development Certificate 2 or 4 Year TOPS |
| The credential(s) is/are: | Awarded by program, not officially recognized by Institute of Higher Education |
| Employment | |
|---|---|
| Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: | 67% |
| Other career development activities are: |
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| Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: | 100% |
| Housing | |
|---|---|
| Housing is provided to students: | Yes |
| Housing options available: |
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| Extracurricular | |
|---|---|
| Students participate in student organizations on campus: | Yes |
| Proportion of time spent only with other students in this program: | 25% |
| Students have participated in these social/extracurricular activities and organizations: |
All student organizations and events are open to TOPS students. Students have joined clubs such as The Pokémon League, Camp Kesem, intermural sports and exercise classes. |