Youngstown State University

Name of Program: YSU - Transition Options in Postsecondary Settings (TOPS)

College/University: Youngstown State University

Contact Information:

Erika Campolito
- Phone: (330) 941-2437
- Email: emcampolito@ysu.edu

Website: bit.ly/2S17nbo

Comprehensive Transitions and Postsecondary Program (CTP) Status: Applying

Annual Costs:

Tuition and Fees: $8,252
Room and Board: Not Offered

For non-degree-seeking TOPS students, the costs per semester follow:

Tuition for YSU course per enrollment in a 3-hour course: $1,125.91
TOPS Program Fee: $3,000

Program Description:

The TOPS Program fee covers access to:

Student-focused planning to guide course selection, programming, and support development;
Support services for inclusive learning experiences through participation in cultural, educational, recreational, and social activities (i.e., ed coaches);
Support services to engage TOPS students in career development experiences, including internships, career-focused training, and competitive employment at YSU and within community businesses; and
Access to TOPS courses (e.g., developing self-determination skills; technology for learning, living, and careers; financial literacy; community living skills; and communicating and advocacy in the workplace and community). The students also work in the area of social skills, attending events on and off campus with the peer coaches.

Describe the academic services:

TOPS students attend specialized classes in the areas of communication, Practical living, First Aid/CPR, employment readiness, and self-care. They attend inclusive classes in the area of health and fitness offered through the university REC center. Students complete internships each semester to help expand vocational skills.

Students may receive in-class and out-of-class supports. In-class supports are provided by TOPS education coaches who are YSU students enrolled in undergraduate programs throughout the university. Out-of-class supports include instruction in study strategies, note-taking, writing, and tutoring in class content.

Students may also receive academic support through programs operating within YSU’s Center for Student Progress (CSP), supported by TOPS education coaches as needed. The CSP serves as the hub of student support services, representing 8 programs targeting diverse populations and intensity of needs. The programs include First-Year Student Services, Adult Learner Services, Multicultural Student Services, Student Tutorial Services, Individual Intervention Services, Supplemental Instruction Services, Orientation Services, and Disability Services. The Reading and Study Skills Center also provides supports for students, including credit-earning courses targeting various thinking, listening, test/note-taking, and reading strategies.

Describe employment experiences and outcomes:

Types of internships:

Students may access internships on the YSU campus, including positions within the YSU Recycling Program, McDonough Museum, Child Care Center, and Pete’s Treats Information Desk.
The majority of internships are non-paid.

Describe how employment services and supports are provided:

Employment supports are provided by TOPS Graduate Assistants and YSU students. Instructors and YSU students participate in ongoing training and professional development.

Describe the independent living and residential services:

There are no residential services. TOPS students participate in a TOPS-specific course that provides instruction related to independent living and community participation and access.

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

Students can access typical university services as well as specialized services through YSU- TOPS. When students access university services through the Center for Student Progress, they are supported by peer mentors. Students have also contracted with autism providers in Mahoning County to provide counseling and support services.

Photos From: http://buechnerhall.com/; https://cms.ysu.edu/administrative-offices/housing-and-residence-life/lyden-house-typical-room; http://www.ideastream.org/stateimpact/2017/10/20/ysu-considers-6-percent-tuition-hike-for-2018-freshman; https://www.thoughtco.com/youngstown-state-university-admissions-788259