PROGRAMS OF STUDY
Project ACCESS
Vocational and educational opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities and autism
ISLAND LIVING. ISLAND LEARNING.
OPPORTUNITY FOR
Achievement The College of the Florida Keys proudly offers an inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities and autism called Project ACCESS (Accessing Community College Educational experiences, Social experiences, and Skills for careers). Project ACCESS provides comprehensive and structured programs that include academics, social activities, employment experience, and independent living that are instrumental for students to achieve their goals.
PATHWAYS TO •
INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION(S)
•
COLLEGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE(S)
•
EMPLOYMENT
•
INDEPENDENCE
INDIVIDUALIZED FOR
Questions?
Individual success
Making decisions about college is a big deal. Please do not hesitate to call the Office for Student Success to receive personal guidance. Katie Norland, Director of Student Success Services
katie.norland@CFK.edu • 305-809-3181 Students enrolled in Project ACCESS receive a truly personalized vocational and academic curriculum leading to a certificate of completion from the College, an industry certification in Customer Service and Sales, and in many cases, a College Credit Certificate. A STAR (Students Transitioning into Adult Roles) Plan is developed for all students. This plan is an individualized, person-centered plan that addresses each student’s strengths, weaknesses, needs, and desires. Based on the STAR assessment, CFK develops a personalized educational plan. Fields of study, program lengths, and structures vary for each student. This approach has proven the most effective for meeting the individual career and educational needs of the students, which ultimately leads to a greater likelihood of success.
Coursework YEAR 1 - PROJECT ACCESS CERTIFICATE In year one, students take courses that provide a foundation for entry into the workforce and/or continued academic pursuits. Coursework includes but is not limited to: Learning with Technology, Career Exploration, Effective Living, Intro to Computer Applications, plus electives.
YEAR 2 - COLLEGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE Depending on the student’s educational plan, they may keep studying to earn a college level certificate. CFK offers an array of certificate programs, including those in the fields of business, culinary, hospitality, diving, mariculture, and marine engineering.
Internships & Employment
The College of the Florida Keys is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award Student employment upon graduation primarydegrees. goalQuestions of Project associateis andabaccalaureate about the ACCESS accreditation of College of the Florida KeysTo mayreach be directedthis in writing to theall Southern and key to launching a pathway toThe independence. goal, Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 students receive workforce readiness training, including a Customer Service Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by and Sales Industry Certificate through the National Retail Federation. using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). WWW.CFK.EDU Students then have the opportunity to practice their skills in real world The College of the Florida Keys does not discriminate on the basis of race, settings through internships and paid employment. CFK will match color, national origin, ethnicity, age, sex, marital status, military status, students to career training opportunities that sexual bestorientation, matchreligion, their individual genetic information, pregnancy, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. Please visit https://www. goals and interests. cfk.edu/notice-of-non-discrimination/ for more information.
Growth
THROUGH SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
Having fun, making friends, and feeling a part of the campus community are important components of college life. Through student clubs, campus activities, and residence hall living, students are further engaged in their learning experience at CFK while building confidence and valuable soft skills necessary for independence. Regular interactions with fellow students, instructors, and mentors help students develop soft skills such as oral and written communication, teamwork and collaboration, problem-solving, professionalism, and work ethic. Students in Project ACCESS are required to participate in one student club and attend a minimum of two activities per semester. CFK has a variety of student clubs to satisfy a range of interests. Events like movie nights, barbecues, gaming competitions, and painting sessions provide opportunities for students to have fun throughout the year.
INDEPENDENT LIVING CFK provides additional support for students in Project ACCESS who live on campus in the College’s residence hall, Lagoon Landing. Students are paired with a Student Resident Mentor to help with daily living skills such as housekeeping, grocery shopping, and meal planning. Lagoon Landing offers fully furnished four- and five-bedroom apartment units that include two bathrooms, living room, and kitchen. Amenities include parking, a 24-hour fitness area, picnic tables overlooking the ocean, and a short walk to class.
RESOURCES FOR SUCCESS Students are provided with an array of support through the Office of Student Accessibility Services, the Learning Resource Center, residential, academic and peer mentors, success coaches, and academic advisors. Additionally, CFK works in conjunction with established resources including Vocational Rehabilitation, the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities, Project10, and many others.
AFFORDABILITY Project ACCESS is a federally approved Comprehensive Transition Program, meaning eligible students receive Pell grants and can apply to participate in work-study programs without having to rely solely on institutional grants and Department of Vocational Rehabilitation funding. Additionally, the College was awarded enhancement grants through the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities in 2017 and 2020 and is an approved Florida Post-Secondary Comprehensive Transition Program. Because of this funding, eligible students are awarded a $7,000 scholarship annually to offset tuition, mentor fees, housing, and other costs.
Apply Now! If you’re ready to take the next step, you can apply online at www.CFK.edu. Project ACCESS is a limited access program. CFK accepts new students who meet the requirements once a year to begin in the Fall semester.
Questions?
Making decisions about college is a big deal. Please do not hesitate to call the Office for Student Success to receive personal guidance. Katie Norland, Director of Student Success Services katie.norland@CFK.edu • 305-809-3181
WWW.CFK.EDU
The College of the Florida Keys is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of The College of the Florida Keys may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). The College of the Florida Keys does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, sex, marital status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, religion, pregnancy, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. Please visit https://www. cfk.edu/notice-of-non-discrimination/ for more information.