GC THRIVE is an Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Program that enables young adults with intellectual disabilities, ages 18-28, to attend college with their non-disabled peers. The program is committed to providing an inclusive, meaningful college experience for students so they can develop the social, academic, career, and independent living skills that will support them to live authentic and fulfilling lives.
GC THRIVE is a two-year program designed to be a transformative experience for all Georgia College community members because it embodies diversity and inclusion on campus. GC THRIVE students are encouraged to identify and pursue individual academic interests, define practical and meaningful career paths, and develop reciprocal relationships with faculty, staff, and peers.
THRIVE is a non-residential program.
Program Overview
THRIVE students define their programs of study through a Person-Centered Planning (PCP) process that is steeped in the liberal arts education tradition. The learning outcomes expected for all Georgia College students include critical thinking skills, creative problem-solving skills, communication skills, teamwork, civic knowledge and engagement, and intercultural competence. These skills are important for all graduates to achieve so that they may thrive in their lives beyond college, in their careers and in their communities.
As part of their liberal arts education, students will also participate in the GC Journeys Program. The GC Journeys Program provides all Georgia College students with opportunities to transform how they experience college. There are three transformative experiences built into every student’s experience: First Year Experience, Career Planning Milestones, and Capstone. Students are then encouraged to add two more transformative experiences: Intensive Leadership Experiences, Mentored Undergraduate Research, Community-Based Engaged Learning, Internships, and Study Abroad/Study Away.
In pursuit of the Certificate of Completion in Liberal Arts Education, THRIVE students will enroll in two Georgia College courses each semester. The course curriculum will be modified by the THRIVE Academic Coordinator and Peer Mentors. THRIVE students will also complete work internships each semester and participate in Student Life activities.
Admissions
Eligibility
This is the first step to becoming a THRIVE student. Below, you will find information about the students we serve and the applicants who are prioritized.
Information about the students we serve:
Students must have an intellectual or developmental disability. Students may have another primary diagnosis, such as autism, but to be accepted into the THRIVE Program, students must have a documented intellectual impairment. Students will have received special education services under IDEA during their P-12 grade education.
Students must have completed high school. THRIVE is not a dual enrollment program.
Students must have health insurance.
Students must have a cell phone.
Students must have a laptop computer that they can bring to campus.
We prioritize applicants who:
Have a strong desire to attend college and a commitment to completing all assignments
Have personal goals for education, career, and living
Have a history of good school attendance
Demonstrate the ability to maintain appropriate social and emotional behavior (no history of behavioral concerns)
Can develop the ability to navigate campus independently
Demonstrate effective communication skills and exhibit socially responsible behavior in class and on campus
Have a minimum reading and writing level of 3rd grade
Can work independently for sustained periods of time
Have the ability to be successful in competitive employment situations
Demonstrate self-awareness and the ability to self-advocate
Application
If you think that this program is a good fit for you, the next step is to complete an application. Applications are available on the website starting February 15th.
(Shan, can we add the PDF of the application? Steve Wills can send you the document)
The application cycle is February 15 - March 15. Only applications received by March 15 will be considered.
Screening of applications will begin March 16th. In April, the selection committee will schedule interviews for applicants and their families if the committee determines that the applicant is a good fit for the THRIVE Program. At a later time, the THRIVE selection committee will schedule a time when the applicant can spend a full day on campus. Final decisions regarding acceptance into the THRIVE Program are based on the application material submitted, the interview with the applicant and family, the day spent on campus, and recommendations.
Note: For Fall 2023, the THRIVE Program will only be accepting two new students.
Program Costs
$2500 per semester. There are a limited number of scholarships available (made possible by a grant from the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities).
At this time, the THRIVE Program is a Tuesday & Thursday program only.
The program costs cover tuition through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. The program fee does not cover books, meals, or transportation.
Support GC THRIVE
Thank you to the wonderful donors who make this program possible!
If you would like to make a donation, you may visit the link or the QR code below:
