Postsecondary Programs and Services for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - El Paso Community College District

IDD Postsecondary Program Information

Program NAME:

Project HIGHER

Program WEBSITE:

epcc.edu

Program CONTACT NAME:

Alejandra Mendoza

Program CONTACT PHONE:

915-831-2739

Program CONTACT EMAIL:

amendo53@epcc.edu

Program DESCRIPTION:

Project HIGHER is an innovative program that assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ages 18-25) in El Paso County to complete a level-one certificate at EPCC and find employment in their area of study. Project HIGHER is a unique supported educational model based upon supported employment models which includes collaboration between EPCC, CSD, Master of Rehabilitation Counseling Program at the University of Texas at El Paso, Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), Volar Center for Independent Living, Education Service Center-Region 19 and other community partners to help participants succeed in post-secondary education and ultimately, achieve employment. The program utilizes an Educational Coach who works one-on-one with the student in and out of the classroom and gradually reduces the time spent with the student as they become better adjusted and more independent.

Are students in High School ELIGIBLE for this program?

Types of COLLEGE COURSES taken by students in this program:

College courses for credit that lead to a certificate or degree

Options for APPLYING for admission to this program:

Regular college/university admissions process
Specific application

After completing this program, students are eligible to earn the following CREDENTIALS:

Level-one certificates that do no require the Texas Success Initiative Assessment. Students are currently enrolled in the Machinist Certificate Program, Information and Technology in Business Certificate Program, Office Assistant Certificate Program, Travel Counselor/Airline Reservationist Certificate Program and Child Development. Students have the option to continue with pursuing a higher degree once they complete their certificate program and the Project HIGHER program.

LENGTH OF TIME expected to complete this program:

1-2 years

SPECIAL COURSES designed for students with IDD in this program:

There are NO special courses specifically for students with IDD

FEES associated with this program:

Yes. The same as standard course fees.

SCHOLARSHIPS available for this program:

Yes