CFK 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
- College Credit Certificate
- Employment
- Independence
Parent College was developed to give the parents a greater understanding of the Project ACCESS program, supporting the transition to college as well as material related to college resources, self-advocacy, and important college policies and procedures.
Personalized for Individual Success:
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, College Experience, Career Exploration, Introduction to Information Literacy, Effective Living, and 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
Student employment upon graduation is a primary goal of Project ACCESS and key to launching a pathway to independence. To reach this goal, all students receive workforce readiness training, including a Customer Service and Sales Industry Certificate through the National Retail Federation. Students then have the opportunity to practice their skills in real world settings through internships and paid employment. CFK will match students to career training opportunities that best match their individual goals and interests.
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.
Project ACCESS students 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 Project ACCESS students who live on campus in the College’s residence hall, Lagoon Landing. Student are paired with a Student Residential mentor to help with the transition to living independently on campus.
Resources for Success
Students are provided with an array of supports 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, Think College, 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 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
Are you ready to start your application for Project ACCESS? Click here to fill out your online application. https://fkcc.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login
