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Postsecondary Programs and Services for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - Houston Community College System

IDD Postsecondary Program Information

Program NAME:


VAST Academy


Program WEBSITE:


hccs.edu/vast https://www.hccs.edu/continuing-education/departments/hcc


Program CONTACT NAME:


Sue Moraska, Director


Program CONTACT PHONE:


713-718-6833


Program CONTACT EMAIL:


sue.moraska@hccs.edu


Program DESCRIPTION:


VAST Academy provides post-secondary transition programs and comprehensive support services, which lead to meaningful credentials, employment and independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities(IDDs). Opportunities include college and career readiness, vocational certificates, pre-college and freshman success bridge courses, career readiness credentials, and employment assistance offered through an inclusive, relevant and affordable avenue.


Are students in High School ELIGIBLE for this program?


No


Types of COLLEGE COURSES taken by students in this program:


  • Continuing education courses
  • Most students in VAST Academy are enrolled in non-credit Continuing Ed. courses, and about 15% move into college credit courses, leading to a workforce certificate and/or associates degree.

Options for APPLYING for admission to this program:


  • Regular college/university admissions process
  • Specific application
  • VAST Academy students complete both the HCC Admissions Continuing Ed. application and go through a formalized admissions process with our VAST Academy.

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


VAST Academy students earn a non-credit Occupational Skills Certificate (Career Readiness),upon successful completion of our 2 year program. Many move on into credit Workforce certificates (Level I, II) in their specific career area of interest after completing the VAST Academy. Some have went on to earn Associates Degrees in careers such as Culinary, Child Development, Business Technology, Welding and more.


LENGTH OF TIME expected to complete this program:


2 years


SPECIAL COURSES designed for students with IDD in this program:


  • Individual instruction or tutoring
  • Life skills
  • Social skills
  • Study skills
  • Orientation to college
  • Independent living instruction

FEES associated with this program:


Yes. The same as standard course fees.


SCHOLARSHIPS available for this program:


Yes


RESIDENTIAL options for on-campus living:


No




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