Inclusive post-secondary education partnership with STEPS Forward
Post-secondary education provides students with opportunities to pursue their goals and interests at every stage of their journey. CNC is committed to creating a positive and accessible learning environment for all students.
Through an inclusive post-secondary education partnership with STEPS Forward, CNC creates opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enroll in an academic or vocational program of their choosing and enjoy all aspects of campus life. There are no academic prerequisites to study at CNC through this partnership, and students with complex or significant disability related support requirements are welcome.
Students supported by STEPS Forward select courses in a specific field based on their passions, strengths, and goals. While following the same curriculum as their peers, they access their courses through the audit category. This allows instructors and the local campus inclusion facilitator to modify course work for the student to suit their individual learning styles and engage in the classroom. Student learning is recognized and celebrated through individualized feedback, rather than a mark or grade in the course.
The inclusion facilitator connects students to campus activities and clubs, student resources, and paid employment in their field of study to enrich the student experience and to develop pathways to meaningful careers and strong community. They are also available throughout the semester to address any concerns or questions from the students or others in the campus community, and work closely with families to plan for life that includes career and community after graduation.
Upon successful completion of their program, students receive a certificate of completion at convocation.
To reach the STEPS Forward inclusion facilitator working with CNC, you can email Samantha Hermanson at samantha@steps-forward.org. For more details about the program or to learn about the application process, visit the StepsForward website. Please note that students are responsible for paying tuition and buying their own textbooks.