Think College at the University of Vermont (UVM) is an innovative, inclusive, academic, social, and vocational transition program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities seeking a college experience and career path. The program includes student-centered planning, academic advising, and peer mentors to foster an inclusive, supportive college experience.
Participants earn a Certificate of College Studies for non-matriculated students. The program includes academic enrichment, social and recreational skills, life skills, self-advocacy, career skills, and work experience.
As a two to three year non-degree certificate program through UVM Professional and Continuing Education and the UVM Center on Disability and Community Inclusion, Think College is a tuition and fee-based program based on eligibility criteria and offered within the bounds of reasonable accommodation at the university.
Here is Think College Vermont alumna Stirling Peebles to explain more about the Think College program:
And from a parent's letter to a professor:
"I would like to thank you most sincerely for the incredible experience you have given my son Andrew this semester in your Geography of Vermont course. He has loved every moment of each class and our dinner table in the evening has been full of conversations and questions about town populations and many other Vermont related topics.
His participation in the Think College program has taught him how to be curious about the world and to ask questions. He also remembers a host of facts and detail that he learns in the classes which he is able to use in conversations with people. Think College really is a wonderful program full of enthusiastic student mentors and faculty members."
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is Think College VT for?
Think College VT is a program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. About 12-16 students participate each year.
When can I apply to Think College VT?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Students can begin the program in fall or in spring of each year.
What kind of support does Think College provide for participants?
Think College students get 15-20 hours per week of 1:1 peer mentor support. This includes support in class, getting homework assignments done, social and recreational activities and vocational support.
What are peer mentors and how do they fit into the program?
Peer Mentors are central to the program and facilitate the inclusion of Think College students within the UVM community. Mentors are current UVM undergraduate students who assist and guide Think College students as they prepare for productive employment and independent living. Mentors also provide support for successful inclusion in college classes and activities.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, download the application and email it to Bryan.Dague@uvm.edu. Peer Mentor Application (doc)
How much does Think College VT cost?
Student program fees for Think College VT are currently $18,000.00 for the year. Course tuition is extra.
Does Think College VT include on-campus housing? Is there a residential option?
Think College VT does not operate a residential program. But there is a residential option at Redstone Lofts for students with independent living skills.
What is the employment rate for Think College graduates?
Upon graduation, 90% of Think College VT graduates are employed, compared to 42% of people receiving services in Vermont and a 20% US average for people with disabilities. (from StateData.info).
Contact
Bryan Dague
Project Director, Think College Vermont
Stirling Peebles (She / Her)
Think College Dissemination Assistant
Background
In October 2010, the UVM Center on Disability and Community Inclusion was one of 27 programs nationwide awarded a 5-year Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Funding and Donations
Think College is sustained through student tuition and generous donations from families, organizations and visitors like you.