Application Information

• are between the ages of 18 and 26
• have a documented intellectual developmental disability
• have completed a high school diploma
• were formerly eligible for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
  
• had a good attendance and disciplinary record in secondary school
• are not able to benefit from enrollment in a traditional academic program at BGSU
• are personally motivated to develop self-advocacy, living, and work skills to live and work more independently
• are able to learn and follow BGSU Codes of Conduct and community norms of behavior
• have the capacity to navigate campus with minimal support following a period of training
• have or can arrange for reliable transportation to and from campus.

Students who submit the following application materials by April 1 are given priority for admission in the upcoming academic year.

1. Completed Clark Inclusive Scholars Program Application
2. Documentation of intellectual disability Documentation must demonstrate both that the applicant has an intellectual disability as defined by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD and that the applicant was formerly eligible to receive special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). A school record, such as an IEP, that includes both pieces of information would satisfy this requirement. If the school record does not specify that the applicant has an intellectual disability, additional documentation may include (a) an evaluation and diagnosis of an intellectual disability from a psychologist or other qualified professional, or (b) a record from a government agency (e.g., Social Security Administration, vocational rehabilitation) that identifies the intellectual disability
3. Most recent IEP from last year of high school
4. Transcript of high school coursework and transcripts from any college or postsecondary training program attended
5. Two Letters of Reference

Applications must include letters of reference from two non-family members who have known the applicant for at least one year. Include at least one reference from an educator (e.g., high school teacher, transition specialist). The second reference can be from an employer, coach, friend, neighbor, or any person who has a personal or professional relationship with the applicant. Please utilize the Reference Letter Form to complete this step.

Transitioning to College

Credits | Sem/Year
UNIV 1110 Springboard — 1
ACEN 1000 College Reading/Learning Skills — 3
ACEN 1210 Transition Course — 1

Career Development

Credits | Sem/Year
UNIV 1290 Career Planning — 1
UNIV 1300 Job Search — 1
UNIV 1310 Career and Life Planning — 2
UNIV 1320 Career Pathways Internship [minimum of 9 credits] — 1, 2, 3

Electives [minimum of 12 credits]

Credits | Sem/Year

Program Guidelines

1. To earn the Career Pathways Certificate, students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, either taken for credit or audited.
2. Students are responsible for adhering to program and university requirements and policies as stated in the Clark Inclusive Scholars Program Handbook and BGSU Undergraduate Catalog.
3. Courses of study and work-based learning experiences are individually determined in relation to student goals.
4. Students should consult regularly with the program director or their academic advisor to ensure they are receiving the accommodations and supports necessary for success in the program.
5. Upon successful completion of required coursework, students will be awarded a BGSU undergraduate Career Pathways Certificate from the program director.

Suggested Program of Study

Semester Course [credit hours]

Year 1 Fall

• UNIV 1290 Career Planning [1]
• ACEN 1210 Transition Course [1]
• UNIV 1110 Springboard [1]
• UNIV 1320 Career Pathways Internship [1-2]
• 1 or 2 Elective(s)

Year 1 Spring

• UNIV 1310 Career & Life Planning [2]
• ACEN 1000 College Reading/Learning Skills [2-3]
• UNIV 1320 Career Pathways Internship [2]
• 1 or 2 Elective(s)

Year 2 Fall

• UNIV 1320 Career Pathways Internship [2]
• 2 or 3 Elective(s)

Year 2 Spring

• UNIV 1300 Job Search [1]
• UNIV 1320 Career Pathways Internship [3-4]
• 2 or 3 Elective(s)

Career Pathways Certificate

Below are catalog descriptions of required courses.

• UNIV 1110 Springboard. 1 credit. A dynamic self-development course that engages first-year students in the learning process and builds self-assurance by enabling them to assess their proficiency and plan strategically for growth in Investigation, Connection, Presentation, Writing, Participation, and Leadership.
• ACEN 1000 College Reading/Learning Skills. 3 credits. Designed to improve basic reading/learning habits of college students' vocabulary, comprehension, notetaking, time management, test taking, analytical and critical thinking and resources for college transition. Lab required.
• ACEN 1210 Transition Course. 1 credit. Transition to University life through orientation to University facilities and options; activities stressing study skills and personal growth.
• UNIV 1290 Career Planning. 1 credit. Strategies developed for career and life planning decisions. Occupational choice theory, assessment of values, needs, interests, and skills helpful in selecting an academic program of study and relating it to a career. Investigation of occupations and issues affecting career choice.
• UNIV 1300 Job Search. 1 credit. Strategies developed for job search and preparation. Skills in preparing resumes, job applications, cover and thank you letters, networking, and interviewing.
• UNIV 1310 Career and Life Planning. 2 credits. Students will examine their skills, interests, values and personal characteristics; investigate occupations and career paths; examine the interrelationship between self-knowledge and occupational decisions; identify academic programs and experiential learning opportunities that enhance future employment options; make informed career and life decisions; and establish realistic goals and an action plan.
• UNIV 1320 Career Pathways Internship. 1-3 credits. Repeatable up to 9 credit hours. Experiential learning related to a career pathway that allows the intern to demonstrate specific occupational skills and 21st Century skills required for success in the workplace. Internship may be paid or unpaid at a campus or community worksite.