Bowling Green State University-Firelands

Name of Program: Clark Inclusive Scholars Program

College/University: Bowling Green State University - Firelands

Contact Information:

Kyle Closen, Director of Clark Inclusive Scholars Program
- Phone: 419-372-0613
- Email: kclosen@bgsu.edu

Website: https://www.firelands.bgsu.edu/academics/clark-inclusive-scholars-program.html

Comprehensive Transitions and Postsecondary Program (CTP) Status: Approved

Annual Costs:

Tuition and Fees: $1,000
Room & Board: Not Offered

Program Description:

Funded by the Clark Family Foundation, the Clark Inclusive Scholars Program is an individualized post-secondary certificate program for students with intellectual disabilities. Students will typically complete the certificate program in four semesters. To earn the certificate, students will spend an average of 20 hours or more on the Firelands campus attending classes, gaining work experience, receiving individualized instruction and support, and socializing with peers. They will have access to the same learning environments and student life activities as all other BGSU Firelands students. Individualized planning will guide the development of each student’s program of study, career development activities, and student life involvement. Learning experiences will focus on the development of academic, social, and career skills that lead to competitive employment, meaningful careers, and community membership. It is expected that upon completion of the program, students will either be employed or will continue on for an associate’s degree.

Describe the academic services:

Students will register with Accessibility Services through BGSU to receive accommodations in the classroom.
Students have access to the Student Learning Center where there is free tutoring for all of the classes.
Students will have a peer mentor who is an upperclassman and will be a resource to the students for academics.
If the class is audited the class will be appropriately modified to fit their academic needs.

Describe employment experiences and outcomes:

Students will have various employment/career experiences throughout the two years.
Students will have on-campus jobs working with their peers and learning on the job skills
Students will have opportunities for career exploration by going to various fields of work that align with their interests.
Students will have the opportunity to have internships that align with their career interests on campus and in the community.
Between years 1 and 2 students will look for a job near their home that aligns with the career interests.
The employment outcome is that after two years of academic preparation and on-the-job learning they are employed in the field of their choice.

Describe how employment services and supports are provided:

We have a Career Counselor that is employed just for the Clark Scholars
- They will help find employment for the students between years one and two.
- They will be actively looking in the community to set up internships and career exploration opportunities for the students.
- They will provide on-the-job coaching and instruction.
- After graduation will help them find a job in their field of choice.
Students will also have supports from local agencies (OOD, DD, ODJFS, etc.)

Describe the counseling and supports that are available for your students with ID:

They will have access to all of the academic/Career counseling that is offered to all of BGSU Firelands students. There are counselors on campus every day that are available to the students for their needs.
Specifically for the Clark Scholars, they have counseling and support from the Director of the program, a Career Counselor, a GA working towards their Master's or Doctorate, and peer mentors.
We have support from the faculty, Dean’s office, students, and the community.