E LMHURST L EARNING & S UCCESS ACADEMY Learning for a Lifetime - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

E LMHURST L EARNING & S UCCESS ACADEMY “ Learning for a Lifetime ”

A BOUT ELSA  A four year certificate program, ELSA provides a full-time , post secondary educational experience for young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities .  The program emphasized three key areas: 1. Academics 2. Career Experience & Independent Living skills 3. Social and Recreational Experience

A CADEMICS Students increase their literacy and technical skills and their capacity for writing , mathematics, purposeful reading, and reading for pleasure. Courses are taught by Elmhurst College faculty and teaching assistants. Elmhurst College students co-teach ELSA courses as well as work individually with students in Education Coaching.

S AMPLING OF ELSA C OURSES  Educational Coaching  Science Investigations  Exploration of Self and  Art of Literacy Campus  Planning for Independence  Oral Storytelling and  Leadership Skills Mathematics  Business Writing  Career Exploration and  Social Issues and Diversity Development  Community and Citizenship  Healthy Living  Service Learning  Career and Community  Computers in the Skills Workplace  Financial Smarts  Career Internship  Theater and Public  Self Determination Speaking  Communications

A DDITIONAL L EARNING O PPORTUNITIES FOR ELSA STUDENTS  The ELSA Audit Program  Students with academic interests outside of the ELSA curriculum can audit traditional Elmhurst College courses with support.  The ELSA Professional Certificate Program in Business, Communications & Technology  Elmhurst College & ELSA Dual Enrollment  Students can apply to Elmhurst College AND the ELSA program to utilize program supports and curriculum.  Admission to Elmhurst College will require ACT scores and a complete application through the Elmhurst College admission office prior to applying to ELSA.

W ORK E XPERIENCE  Explore employment interests, abilities, and opportunities  Gain hands-on experience both on and off campus  Learn how to seek apply for, and maintain jobs  Complete on & off campus internships  Piloted ‘13/’14 1 year apprenticeship

S OCIAL AND R ECREATIONAL E XPERIENCE  Develop facility for leisure and recreation, and enhance capacity for independent living… …By fully participating in college life.

S OCIAL AND R ECREATIONAL E XPERIENCE  Join campus clubs and organizations such as Best Buddies, Peer Mentors

G RADUATION  Upon completion of the ELSA program, students receive a certificate from the Academy  Alumni will be invited to attend evening support seminars offered monthly at the College  Each student will be better prepared to hold a job and live with greater independence in the community or with their family

O UR S TUDENTS  Applicants to ELSA must be between the ages of 18 and 28 and have earned a high school diploma or certificate .  Students should be interested in developing their skills in functional literacy, ability to use technology, and capacity for employment and independent living.  A student must have sufficient emotional skills and capacity for independence, be able to read and write at the third-grade level , and enjoy strong family support of the program ’ s objectives

A DMISSION AND D EADLINES Application Process Admission Deadlines  Application form  Fall Applications Preferred completed Deadline June 1 st  Student Essay  Early application is  1 letter of encouraged. recommendation from  Spring Applications (J- parent term) preferred deadline:  2 from November 1 st Teachers/counselors  Admission Interviews are  Official High School Transcript conducted on a rolling basis  IEP & Psychological Evaluation

ELSA E VENTS AT E LMHURST C OLLEGE Fall Information Session in November Spring Info Session & ELSA Transition Fair in March

C ONTACT U S F OR M ORE I NFORMATION  ELSA Hotline: (630) 617-3752  Request application packet  Schedule individual/group visit  Visit online: www.elmhurst.edu/elsa  Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ELSAelmhurst