Course Enrollment
- Students will enroll in two undergraduate courses (based on career goals and personal interests discussed as a team).
- Students are expected to fully participate in their classes (attendance, participation, assignments, exams, etc).
- Education Coaches will accompany students to their classes, providing supports as needed. (Education Coaches cannot attend a class if it is taken for credit.)
- Ultimately, the goal is for students to become as independent as possible in the classroom and Education Coaches to fade their support throughout the year.
Advising/Academic Enrichment
- Students and their Education Coaches will meet with EXCEL program staff each week. Using a Person-Centered Planning (PCP) approach, check-in meetings revolve around each student's unique hopes, dreams and ultimate career goals.
- Education Coaches will provide academic support in all areas of a student's college experience.
- Students will be supported to become more self-determined individuals as they take ownership of their college experience.
Employment Development/Internship Experience
- Students and their Education Coaches will meet with EXCEL program staff each week.
- Students will choose an internship based on their career goals and results from their individualized vocational assessments.
- Students will work with staff, including their Job Coaches to track and evaluate their progress on the job site, gaining confidence as they monitor their own development and build upon their own successes.
- Weekly internship experience allows students to develop valuable employability skills. Employability skill development will be highlighted in the career portfolios that students build throughout their time in the program.
Community Engagement
- Students will have the opportunity to get involved in the BSU community by participating in clubs, activities, organizations and service projects.
- Students will spend time with program Peer Mentors who will help them assimilate to college life by introducing them to friends, exploring campus, attending events, and encouraging involvement.
- By spending time with Peer Mentors, EXCEL students gain confidence, independence, develop social skills, and feel emotionally connected to the BSU community.
Column one has the program requirements, two has the course enrollment. Three has advising & academic enrichment, four has the employment development and internship experience, five has community engagement.
| BSU EXCEL Certificate Program Requirements | Course Enrollment | Advising & Academic Enrichment | Employment Development & Internship Experience | Community Engagement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum of 20 total hours per week | Two undergraduate courses for audit (based on career goals and personal interests) | Bi-weekly staff check-in meetings (Academic focus) | Bi-weekly staff check-in meetings (Career focus) | Involvement with clubs, activities, organizations and service projects |
| Internship Experience hours and Course Enrollment hours must equal at least 10 hours per week | Full participation in classes (attendance, participation, assignments, exams, etc.) | Person-Centered Planning (PCP) - student vision and goals | Individual vocational assessments | Weekly Peer Mentor meetings (exploring campus, attending events, encouraging involvement) |
| Education Coaches accompany students to classes, providing supports as needed | Academic support with Ed Coach (time management, organization, study skills, planning, daily living skills) | Weekly internship experience (based on assessment results and career goals) | Development of social skills | |
| Development of Career Portfolio |