• "My internship is going amazing. On the first day I had a mentor helping me with the reading. On the third day I began doing it independently. I cleaned the small animals. I need to see what they eat and if they drink water or other stuff we will have to put it on the paper. We moved to the cats, and we looked at the sheet to see what their diets are and when they last ate and drank." --Sophia

 

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.  Participants earn a 12 credit Certificate of College Studies for non-matriculated students. The certificate includes Academic Enrichment, Social & Recreational Skills, Life Skills & Self-Advocacy, and Career Skills & Work Experience.

Think College at UVM incorporates student-centered planning, academic advising, and peer mentors for an inclusive, supportive college experience. Think College is a one to two-year non-degree certificate program through the UVM Continuing Education department and the UVM Center on Disability and Community Inclusion; thus, it is a tuition and fee-based program based on eligibility criteria and offered within the bounds of reasonable accommodation at the university.

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

What is Think College VT?

Think College Vermont at the University of Vermont is an inclusive, academic, social, and vocational program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities seeking a college experience and career path. Started in 2010, we use student-centered planning, academic advising, and peer mentors to help students complete a 2-year non-degree certificate through UVM’s Continuing Education.

Who is Think College VT for?

Think College VT is a program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

When can we 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.

How much does Think College VT cost?

Student tuition fees for Think College VT are currently US$18,000.00 for the year. This does not include room and board.

Does Think College VT include on-campus housing? Is there a residential option?

Think College VT does not currently offer residential, on-campus housing.

What kind of support does Think College VT provide students?

About 12 students participate each year. 

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).

What are peer mentors? How do they fit into the Think College VT program?

UVM 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 mentor application here: UVMentorApp (.doc).

Think College Vermont logo

A History of Think College VT at UVM

Think College VT turns 10

We're celebrating 10 years of Think College VT! With 14 current students and 32 alumni from around Vermont, we're excited to see where we can go next. 

Donate to Think College VT

 

Meet the Think College Team

Bryan Dague

 

Bryan Dague, EdD(He / Him)

Think College Vermont Director

bryan.dague@uvm.edu

 

Stirling Peebles

 

Stirling Peebles(She / Her

Think College dissemination assistant

stirling.peebles@uvm.edu