Unlock Your Potential: Join the Center for Adults in Transition
Young adults ages 21-24 with developmental disabilities can attend college independently through our Center for Adults in Transition program.
Why Choose the Center for Adults in Transition?
Our individualized approach to transition planning helps students with intellectual and developmental disabilities identify their path while accessing the necessary support and resources to lead full, rewarding, and independent lives.
Each fall and spring, we welcome up to 15 motivated individuals into our supportive community.
Our program offers:
- Financial literacy: Learn how to manage your finances effectively.
- Career services courses: Prepare for the workforce with expert guidance.
- Public speaking and communication classes: Build confidence and essential skills.
Program Highlights
- Career-related assessments, exploration, and internships
- College classroom readiness, self-improvement, and college-level classes
- Professional certificates or degrees
You will have access to RCBC’s vibrant campus life, including events, clubs, and activities.
Supportive Environment
Our peer mentors support and guide you to ensure you have the resources and encouragement needed to succeed.
How to Apply
To join CAT, you must submit the following:
- Psychological and learning evaluations
- IEP or 504 Plans from high school
- Completed application form
Eligible candidates will be invited for an in-person interview to discuss their aspirations and determine program suitability.
Important Dates
- Spring Applications: Due by November 3 (Interviews in mid-to-late November)
- Fall Applications: Due by May 15 (Interviews in June)
Therefore, this experience will develop my teaching skills and will help me understand how to communicate effectively. Additionally, it demonstrates my commitment to education and helping others.
As part of a state grant-funded program, young adults 21-24 who have any developmental disabilities and have graduated high school are encouraged to apply. Interested individuals need to complete an application, including an IEP, psychological, learning, or other evaluative documents, as well as two letters of recommendation, to be considered. From there, an interview is scheduled to discuss their interests and determine if they are a good match.
Application Deadlines
* Spring - November
* Fall - May
The framework includes:
* First-year introduction to college class
* Psychology 101
* a Social Skills class.
Students will be registered RCBC students who are encouraged to join clubs and/or other campus activities alongside peers. They will also have a trained Peer Mentor who will assist in the adjustment process to being in college and bridge our knowledge about how that student is doing on campus.
The following semesters will include:
* Financial Literacy
Career Services course - resume creation and interview skills/testing to determine strengths, aptitudes, and interests for internships which will follow
* Students will take at least one course per semester of interest.
* Public Speaking and Communication class
The choice of auditing or taking for a grade will be given.
Tuition must be paid each semester to remain in good standing. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing a FAFSA application. If an application has not been made to the DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities) for adult services, now is the perfect time to do so. (see link):
Employment Support may also be available through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
https://www.nj.gov/labor/career-services/special-services/individuals-with-disabilities/
- Open to 21-24-year-old students with Developmental Disabilities who have graduated High School; Under an OSHE grant based on the 2022 law passed
- Cohorts of up to 15 students per semester
- The latest IEP and evaluation reports need to be included with the ACT Application
- Two letters of Reference required
- If desired, students will participate in classes with peers by auditing or for credit.
- Also, Social Skills/Self Advocacy, Financial Literacy, Experiential Learning, 2
Internships and have the support of a Peer Mentor
- Also, Social Skills/Self Advocacy, Financial Literacy, Experiential Learning, 2
- On-campus clubs and activities will be encouraged for each student to choose
from - Classes typically between 8 am - 5:30 pm Monday through Thursday
Students will be expected to submit assignments and take tests/exams alongside peers to determine how much they have retained (no grade will be assigned if auditing). First Year Experience class/Orientation before the start of the semester will assist with adjustment to the college environment
Application Deadlines:
Fall: May 16
Spring: November 3
Interviews will be scheduled after the application is received. Students are responsible for tuition costs. Individual Support Plans may be able to help pay, so we strongly recommend that each family complete the FAFSA form (Federal Financial Aid) to determine what tuition assistance or other resources may be available.
* Students must also register for RCBC to obtain student identification.
*Certificate programs and degrees may be an option if students wish to pursue
Contact Pat Gerke at pgerke@rcbc.edu or 856-242-5261, ext 2961, with questions.
This publication was produced in partnership with OSHE as a part of the County College-Based Center for Adult Transition Grant.