It’s been a busy April at College Steps H.Q. with the addition of three new college partnerships beginning Fall 2018. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Alexandria in Virginia, Connecticut College and County College of Morris in New Jersey have all signed-on to partner with College Steps in providing individualized, peer-mentor based transition programming and support for students living with social or learning challenges.

“We are very excited to be working with these institutions and the surrounding high schools,” said College Steps’ Co-Founder, Lauren Merritt. “Our efforts complement the existing work of these institutions and attract additional talented students interested in our model of support. We look forward to meeting new families, high schools, and community partners to collaboratively build sustainable and long-term options for transition-aged youth living with disabilities.”

With the addition of these three schools, College Steps expands its services and operations to a dozen institutions stretching across the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic.

College leaders from each institution expressed approval and excitement in joining forces. Dr. Bette Simmons, Vice President of Student Development & Enrollment Management at County College of Morris stated that “partnering with College Steps allows us to ensure that our students with disabilities have access to strong comprehensive support systems that will allow them to increase their chances of success as well as encourage their participation and overall involvement in the entire academic experience.”

College Steps will be hosting a series of public Information Sessions over the coming weeks to provide prospective students, parents, guardians, school district personnel, and advocates with information about services offered, including the individualized support model, admissions process and associated costs. Information Sessions for NOVA Alexandria are free, but please RSVP via Eventbrite as soon as possible:

NOVA Alexandria

The priority application deadline for Fall 2018 enrollment is May. Additional information and applications are available at www.collegesteps.org/apply

(New London, CT - April 2, 2018) — Connecticut College and College Steps announced today a partnership to enhance the college experience for area students living with disabilities, including but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities. The new partnership, which will begin Fall 2018, directly aligns with the College’s mission to promote understanding by offering a variety of academic and social experiences, as well as their commitment to building greater access, opportunity and equity.

“On behalf of the College, we welcome this partnership and look forward to expanding our student body,” said Noel Garrett, Dean for Academic Support and Director of the Academic Resource Center (ARC) at Connecticut College. “The ARC at Connecticut College is for the entire College community and provides academic support services for all students so that they may reach their maximum academic potential. Although the primary goal is to assist students in becoming more efficient and effective learners, the ARC is available to all who wish to improve their academic skills and ability to learn. The addition of College Steps will help us carry this commitment even further.”

Connecticut College is the 10th post-secondary institution to partner with College Steps, a nonprofit organization with operations stretching from Vermont to Virginia, which supports young adults living with social, communication, or learning challenges via a unique individualized and peer-based model. It serves both high school transition students interested in a college-primer experience prior to graduation, as well as students already enrolled in college. The organization’s primary goal is to prepare students for meaningful careers and autonomy after graduation, placing strong emphasis on self-advocacy, social competencies, employment, and independent living skills. Student’s work with trained peer mentors who are supported by a full-time, on-site Program Coordinator.

“We are very excited to be working with Connecticut College and the surrounding high schools in New London County,” noted Lauren Merritt, College Step’s Co-Founder. “Our efforts complement the existing work of Connecticut College and attract additional talented students interested in our model of support. We look forward to meeting new families, high schools, and community partners to collaboratively build sustainable and long-term options for transition-aged youth living with disabilities.”

Prospective students, parents, guardians, school district personnel, and advocates interested in learning more about this exciting new initiative, are invited to attend a special information session on the Connecticut College campus April 24. Attendees will learn about specific services offered, including the individualized support model, admissions process and associated costs.

WHAT: College Steps / Connecticut College Information Session

WHEN: Tuesday, April 24th from 4:30 - 6:00 PM

WHERE: Connecticut College Campus - Blaustein Room 210

PARKING: South Lot -- B3/C3 on the Campus Map

REGISTER: Information Session at Connecticut College

College Steps is now accepting applications for the Fall 2018 semester. Applications submitted before May 15 will be given priority.