SUCCESS: UMBC
Maryland’s First Four Year Postsecondary Education
Program for
Students with
Disabilities
Nationally
Over 250 programs available
 In 41 states

 2-year: 38%
 4-year: 51%
 Tech/Trade School: 12%
 Residential Options 39%
Data
Youths with ID who participated in
postsecondary education were 26%
more likely to exit the VR program
with employment and they earned
a 73% higher weekly income.
Migliore, A. & Butterworth, J., 2008. Postsecondary Education and Employment Outcomes for
Youth with Intellectual Disabilities. DataNote Series, Data Note XXI. Boston, MA:
Institute for Community Inclusion.
Value of Postsecondary Experience for
Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities:
Enhanced employment outcomes
 Opportunity to develop problem
solving skills and independence
 Ability to access adult learning opportunities
and develop a desire for lifelong learning
 Expanded social networks
 Opportunity to connect learning to personal
desired outcomes
 Socially valued roles and experience

Federal Efforts
The Higher Education Opportunity Act
Amendments 2008
Allows students with ID attending
Comprehensive Transition postsecondary
programs (CTP) to be eligible for:
 Pell Grants
 Supplemental Educational
Opportunity Grants
 Federal Work-Study Programs
History in Maryland

Dual enrollment programs for18-21 to
attend community college while in high
school –NO 4 year post 21 program

Interest from parents in DC metro area
due to George Mason University LIFE

Summer 2011 MDOD approached UMBC
Shriver Center about a 4 year program
Criteria

Students must:
Be a full time resident of Maryland and have an intellectual disability
 Have exited high school with a certificate, and be at least 21 and no older
then 24.
 Be able to read at a 3rd grade level (minimum requirement)
 Have knowledge of basic mathematics and the ability to use a calculator
 Have knowledge of basic keyboarding skills and the ability to use a
computer
 Exhibit conduct and behavior that are age appropriate
 Have the ability to function independently for a sustained period of time
 Have the ability to be successful in competitive employment situations
 Have the desire and motivation to complete a postsecondary program
 Have a willingness to complete all assignments with support

Additional Discussion
Designed for students who could not
otherwise access higher education.
 Does not result in credits or a degree
 Intended for students with Down
Syndrome and similar intellectual
disabilities
 First and possible second year are defined
in terms of coursework but hope to allow
individuals to select and engage in exiting
classes in future years.

Funding





Original intent was that families would cover
all costs
Families had limited time to save
Plan is to get approval as a Comprehensive
Transition Plan to qualify for FAFSA
For current cohort, DDA is paying $8000
and DORS $2000 to cover the tuition and
fees.* review of DDA Guidance
Families are responsible for
transportation
Residential
Residential is an important component of the SUCCESS
Program
 Residential component creates the unique opportunity for
independence to develop
 Priority will be given to students whose families commit to
the residential component
 Cost of residential component is anticipated to be $20,000
or more. See the Housing Options Fact sheet for details.
Not an upfront cost—payable over the course of the year
and does include live in residential support staff.


Families need to understand there is NO FUNDING FOR
RESIDENTIAL, nor will there be.
2012 Cohort
6 students from Montgomery, Prince
George’s, Howard, and Baltimore
Counties.
 All commuters
 9:45-4:00 pm Monday through Friday,
follows UMBC Academic Calendar
 Curriculum includes: First Year Seminar,
Service Learning Project, On Campus
Internship, Independent Living course,
Health and Wellness, Personal Awareness

2013-2014
Applications will be available in February
2013
 Students to be accepted on a rolling basis
 Discuss with families now and encourage
families to save and explore options such
as 529 plans,
 Residential component will be private pay.
 Residential is critical in mastering
independent living skills

Long term
Cohort of 6-8 per year, each cohort
attends for 4 years and exits with
certificate
 Total of 32 students at UMBC at any given
time
 Ability to access Federal Financial Aid
 On campus housing
 Exploring potential career tracks,
individualization and integration into
existing courses of interest

FOR MORE
INFORMATION
INCLUDING COSTS,
CURRICULUM, AND FAQ’S
Shrivercenter.org/SUCCESS
Families with questions should contact:
Nan Brittingham:
nbrittingham@mdod.state.md.us
For questions regarding DDA funding,
contact: Sequaya Tasker, Coordinator of
Children, TY and Aging Services, DDA,
410-767-8688
Sequaya.Tasker@maryland.gov
Jade Gingerich
Director of Employment Policy
MDOD
410-767-3660
jgingerich@mdod.state.md.us