VA Summer Transition Programs
The College Bound Summer Program
Since 1999, the Virginia Tech summer College Bound program in June has provided Virginia high school juniors and seniors, as well as rising college freshmen, with informational workshops and activities that raise awareness of assistive technology, legal responsibilities, college disability services, and academic success strategies. Student participants receive an on-campus living experience that includes interaction with successful college students with disabilities.
An informational track just for parents and guardians is designed to emphasize parents’ role in the transition process for their children with disabilities. Parents participate in educational sessions that provide critical transition information including legal responsibilities and requirements, student financial aid, assistive technology, and access to needed disability services.
College Bound was the first college transition program in the Commonwealth and the nation to focus on providing college information to all types of students with disabilities and their families. Several programs have been established across the Commonwealth that have used the College Bound model.
College Bound at Virginia Tech, continues to be a collaborative effort among numerous agencies, organizations and volunteers that include professionals from Virginia Tech, New River Community College, Radford University and the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services. Our Virginia Tech partners who annually contribute their time and expertise include ADA Services, Assistive Technologies Research Lab, Services for Students with Disabilities, Office of Equity and Inclusion, Center for Academic Enrichment and Excellence, Multicultural Academic Opportunity Program, School of Education, and Southwest Virginia Assistive Technology System.
For more information and to register, please visit:
http://www.cpe.vt.edu/collegebound/
Say YES (Your Education Solution) to College
A College Transition Program for Students with Disabilities
Old Dominion University Campus
Enrollment in postsecondary education is steadily increasing for students with disabilities. Yet many students are not adequately prepared to deal with the academic and social demands of this environment. Say YES to College is designed to ease the transition from high school to college.
Will I say YES to college?
Say YES to College participants will:
- Meet other students with disabilities who have successfully made the transition to college;
- Hear a variety of speakers who will offer information and suggestions to make college a positive experience;
- Experience a taste of life in a dormitory setting; and
- Connect with other high school students who have the same questions and concerns about their readiness for college life.
STUDENTS
Students with disabilities who are planning to secure a two- or four- year college degree are invited to apply. Applicants must be current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors pursuing an Advanced Studies, Standard, or Modified Standard Diploma, or students of high school age seeking a GED. Participation is limited to 50 students.
Workshop topics for students include:
- Selecting a two-year or four-year college
- Understanding academic life at college
- Enjoying student life at college
- Using assistive technology supports
- Surviving the transition to college
PARENTS
Parents of students who participate in Say YES to College are encouraged to attend, as well. Parent workshops provide suggestions to help families prepare their children for college life and explore the changing roles of parents as children transition to college.
Workshop topics for parents include:
- Preparing your child for success in higher education
- Considering the best postsecondary school option
- Understanding your changing legal status
- Preparing your child for life away from home
Parents also have opportunities to interact with college service providers and college students with disabilities. If you plan to attend, please complete the parent portion of the registration form.
Say YES to College is a collaborative effort of the Virginia Department of Education Training and Technical Assistance Centers (T/TACs) at Old Dominion University and The College of William and Mary, Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS), Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS), Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Endependence Center, Inc., Norfolk State University (NSU), Old Dominion University (ODU), Thomas Nelson Community College, Tidewater Community College (TCC), and school divisions throughout Superintendent's Regions 2 and 3.
To contact us:
Phone: 757.683.3639
Fax: 757.683.5227
Email: jervin@odu.edu
Joann Ervin
Old Dominion University
Education Building Room 252-1
Norfolk, VA 23529
