September 1, 2011 | Combined Reports

Making the Transition to College

A program to help students with disabilities make the transition to college was offered at UConn for the first time this summer.

UCPREP 2011 students participated in UConn's Challenge Course. Problem-solving and teamwork were important to complete the challenge.

UCPREP 2011 students participated in UConn's Challenge Course. Problem-solving and teamwork were important to complete the challenge. (James Vallieres '13 (ENG)/UConn Photo)

UCPREP 2011 students participated in UConn's Challenge Course. Problem-solving and teamwork were important to complete the challenge.
UCPREP students practice problem-solving and teamwork while taking part in the Challenge Course at the Depot Campus. (James Vallieres '13 (ENG)/UConn Photo)

This summer, the UConn Center for Students with Disabilities offered a new college transition program for high school students with disabilities. UCPREP, or University/College Preparation, Rights & responsibilities, Empowerment, and Planning, took place July 31-Aug. 5, and was attended by 17 students.

The program is designed to help high school students acquire a broader knowledge of college life, expectations, and responsibilities; gain a better understanding of academic and personal strengths and needs; understand rights and responsibilities as a student with a disability; learn the skills to become an effective self-advocate; and create an individualized college transition plan to assist with planning, preparation, and adjustment.

As a final project, UCPREP 2011 students worked together on their posters for the closing ceremony.
As a final project, the UCPREP students worked together on posters for the closing ceremony. (James Vallieres '13 (ENG)/UConn Photo)

The CSD plans to offer the program again next year. For more information, contact Jacqueline Santiago, program specialist and UCPREP coordinator at 860-486-2020 or via email: jacqueline.santiago@uconn.edu