Where the Learning Continues (WTLC)

West Texas A&M University

Where the Learning Continues (WTLC)
2403 Russell Long Blvd
Canyon, TX 79016

Program Contact	Andrea Porter
Email	aporter@wtamu.edu
Phone	806-651-2037
Website	http://wtamu.edu/wtlc

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Where the Learning Continues (WTLC) at West Texas A&M University is a higher education experience committed to empowering students with intellectual disabilities by strengthening their academic knowledge, social skills, and unique abilities in a way that nurtures confidence and inspire independence.

WTLC students are proud to belong to the WTAMU community! Classes are held on both WTAMU campuses where they enjoy meeting other Buffs and reuniting with former high school classmates. Students receive free admission to sporting and fine arts events, and participate in the annual Homecoming parade. Paid internship opportunities are available through dining services and the physical plant.

Class is held Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. during the fall and spring semesters. Learning includes:
- mathematics
- science
- writing
- life skills
- computing
- communication and social skills
- social studies

After completing 8 semesters students participate in the WTAMU commencement ceremonies and are presented with a certificate of completion in a degree cover.

Transportation to and from Amarillo on Panhandle Transit is available for a nominal fee. Student meet the bus at a central Amarillo location in the morning and are taken home or to work after school. Unfortunately, housing is not available on campus.

Tuition is $1500 per semester. Neither financial aid nor scholarships are available because the students do not earn university credit in their classes.

To be eligible for the program, an applicant must:
- Be between the ages of 18-23
- Demonstrate a minimum level of independence
- Have completed a 4-year high school program
- Have minimal medical and no behavioral issues
- Prospective students and parents are encouraged to visit the program.

Program information submitted: February 25, 2021

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:	8

Requirements
Program serves students who have left high school?	Yes, all of our students have left high school
Regular H.S. diploma required?	No, an IEP/non-standard diploma/certificate of attendance is accepted
Deadline to apply to this program:	June 1 for fall; Nov 1 for spring
Link to admissions process:	Admissions link
Criteria for admission	Age range: 18-23
Accepts out-of-state students?:	Yes
Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have:	Intellectual disability Autism
Program length:	4 years

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	100.00%

Cost
Average student tuition and fees for the current school year	$3000.00
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) Occasionally civic groups will help pay for student scholarships

Academic
Students take these types of "typical" courses (with students who don't have disabilities):	Typical college courses for audit Students do not take typical college courses
More about course access:	Student course work is at their level; however, students work with degree-seeking students on communication and life skills where both students receive credit towards their certificate (WTLC students) or degree (credit students).
Students take courses that are only for students in this program:	Yes
Are students in this program able to access support services through your IHE disability services office?	No
Information on special classes:	Academic course work in general education subjects simulate the college experience but at a level the students can complete.
Percentage of academic time spent only with other students in this program:	About 75% of the time
Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program:	Certificate of WTLC Completion
Is the credential IHE-approved?	Awarded by program, not officially recognized by the IHE

Employment
Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program:	25%
Other career development activities are:	None
We offer the following specialized credentials:	It is the parents' decision on whether the student works. Currently the majority of students are not employed. In other years they have all been.
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
Proportion of social time spent only with other students in this program:	All of the time