PATHS | Bridge to Career
(B2C) in Human Services
Texas A&M University
Financial support for the Bridge to Career in Human Services is provided by the Texas Council for Disabilities with Federal funds* made
available by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental
Disabilities. *$225,000 (75%) federal funds; $75,000 (25%) match funds.
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
The PATHS | B2C
Program
in our student’s
words
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
What is a Direct Support
Professional (DSP)?
• A person who supports other people with
disabilities and older people to live in their
communities.
• A Direct Support Professional sees their work as a
career, not just a job.
• A Direct Support Professional actively uses person
centered tools and practices when supporting
others.
• A Direct Support Professional believes and
practices equity in relationship with the people they
support.
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
What is a Childcare
Professional (CCP)?
• A person who supports children (0-5 years) in a
childcare setting.
• A Childcare Professional sees their work as a
career, not just a job.
• A Childcare Professional actively uses and
demonstrates the six core childcare
competencies when working with children.
• A Childcare Professional believes and practices
equity in relationship with the people they
support.
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
Project Background
Purpose: To provide individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) access to
an inclusive postsecondary education program, which prepares them for employment in the health
and human service field
Location: College Station, TX – Texas A&M University
Partnerships: Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living (BVCIL), Texas Department of Assistive
and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M
University, other local agencies, health care providers, and individuals with disabilities seeking
direct support
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
Project Overview
Summer: 4 weeks
•
•
•
•
On-campus dorm living
– 7 days/week
Classroom instruction
– 5 days/week
– Professionalism
– Self-Advocacy
– Human Development &
Social Relationships
Independent Living Skills
training (community)
College Prep
Fall/Spring
•
•
•
Follows A&M semester schedule
Fall semester
– 15 full weeks academic
training
• DSP/CCP
• Professionalism
• Practicum Preparation
• Communication
– Observation of career
environment
– Volunteering at community
events
Spring semester
– Practicum placement (15
hours/week)
– Attend class 1 day/week
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
Sample Schedule – Summer
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
Sample Schedule – Fall
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
Guiding Principles
• PATHS | B2C is inclusive & recruits students from a
wide range of experiences & cultural backgrounds.
DSP: Reflects the NADSP Code of Ethics and is
Nationally Accredited
CCP: Courses are Accredited through
Texas A&M Extension
• Supporting others as a DSP/CCP is a career.
• People with disabilities who choose a career as a
DSP/CCP bring their own set of unique experiences
and skills to the position
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
Supporting Components
Universal Design of Classroom
Texas A&M Student Mentors
Tutoring
Project Staff & Instructors
Project Advisory Committee (PAC)
Program Partners:
•
•
•
•
•
DARS
BVCIL (Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living)
TAMU Student Health Promotion
TAMU Career Center
On & Off-campus Housing
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
Major Accomplishments
• Total Graduation Number for the first 3 cohorts
2011-2015 (N=56)
• Job at graduation = 84%
• Job at 1 year = 88%
• Graduation rate = 75-80%
• Average Earning Wage at 1 year = $9.00/hr.
• Currently, 31 students enrolled for the 20152016 cohort
• Number of individuals impacted: exponential
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
Major
Accomplishments
Acceptance
Letter
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
College Life
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
College Life
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
Texas A&M Undergraduates
Lathan Moore
Senior, Engineering Technology
Houston, TX
I LOVE being a mentor because at the end of the day I
know that I am making a difference in the lives of
others each day. I feel that after graduating, my job will
assist me in being more open minded to everyone and
their circumstances and situations. It will also help me
in the case of problem solving when it comes to
working with others, as well as working and thinking
on my toes. Lastly, being an engineer it will also give
me the ability to help create and innovate to help cater
to the world of disabilities, something which I feel does
not get enough attention.
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
Texas A&M Undergraduates
Jade Ruiz
Special Education, Senior
Pottsboro, TX
As a mentor, it makes me to proud to see the
students accomplish their goals that have been
set. It's amazing to see the progress each student
makes throughout the program! Being a mentor
will help me with my career after graduation
because this is exactly what I want to spend my
life doing. Once I receive my bachelor's degree, I
plan to go straight into a doctorate program for
special education with an emphasis in transition.
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
Texas A&M Undergraduates
Bianca Zapata
Interdisciplinary Studies, Junior
San Antonio, TX
The best part about being a mentor is seeing the
growth in the students. Many of these students have
been either told, treated, or felt like they couldn't
amount to much because of their disability. Being a part
of of even one person's growth is an amazing
feeling. The PATHS/B2C program has completely
changed my career path after I graduate. Before the
program I wanted to work with young kids who had
disabilities and were bilingual speakers. Now, because
of my connections with the students and the experience
that my supervisors have given me, I want to work for
the PATHS program and continue in helping change
the lives of young adults, who before this program,
might have not had the opportunity to pursue their
dreams.
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
Bridge to Career | PATHS
Graduates
I just wanted to let you know that I am now officially a licensed
CNA! In my opinion, it has many of the same attributes as a
DSP. You deal with the elderly and you are there to suit their
needs.
My advice for those who would want to pursue this is to be
very serious about everything. Also, realize that there are
times when you have to do unpleasant things like cleaning up
after a person who had a bathroom accident. And always,
ALWAYS, be respectful and calm.
PATHs has helped me be more independent in career
searching and also has helped me understand more the
importance of helping others! With my certification from A&M
and my certification from the CNA, I can lead a successful and
fulfilling life and career!
Spencer Langseth
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
Bridge to Career | PATHS
Graduates
Howdy,
I like my job.
Gig 'Em,
Darius Young
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
Submission of Application
- Online: paths.tamu.edu
Choose your “track”
DSP – Direct Support Professional
CCP – Child Care Professional
Applications are currently LIVE!
Close on February 29th
Open House: January 30th 2016
Acceptance letters will be mailed April 2016
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
Program Contact Information
Mary Whirley
Program Coordinator
mwhirley3@tamu.edu
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu
979-458-0169
Postsecondary Access and Training for Human Services
Bridge to Career
paths.tamu.edu
b2c.tamu.edu