PALS
PALS gives students with I/DD the opportunity to participate in an array of academic classes, learn new skills, explore careers, prepare for employment and ultimately gain more independence.
What is PALS?
How to Apply
The application process is broken down into three steps:
Step 1: Complete the online application. This provides us with student information, interests, and abilities.
Step 2: A personal interview. This allows the applicant to become more familiar with the program and campus while giving the admissions committee the opportunity to get to know the potential student.
Step 3: Notification of Acceptance. This is the official letter mailed to the student letting them know if they are accepted into the program. Along with the letter is important information about required documentation, if applicable, and start dates.
Is PALS for me?
To ensure that PALS is the best option for each applicant, we require a completed application packet. Individuals wishing to apply to the program should possess a majority of the items listed below. Additional requirements for specific training programs may also be required.
- Desire to obtain community-based employment upon completion of career certification
- Ability to perform hygiene routine independently or has services to provide this support
- Ability to manage medications or has services to provide this support
- Ability to be unsupervised for an extended period of time on a college campus or in the community
- Applicant does not exhibit disruptive behavior
- Ability to communicate with others
- Functional math skills
- Functional reading skills by any mode
- Functional writing skills or a mode to produce written material
- Applicant has had prior vocational experiences that guided him or her to the chosen career path
- Applicant must have a desire to get and keep a job following their career certification training
- Applicant is 18 years or older (or will be 18 at the start of the training session)
- Applicant has exited high school. Applicant can apply while in high school and remain in high school until the start of the training session.
- Applicant has had satisfactory attendance at school and/or in other training programs
- Applicant must be determined eligible based on criteria established under funding opportunity
- Applicant can provide documentation for a diagnosis of a disability
Career Certification Paths
- Administrative Services
- Cleaning & Maintenance
- Food Service
- Horticulture Studies
- Lawn Care & Maintenance
- Retail Services
Students explore and experience their chosen career through targeted training, specialized classes, and internships that allow them to set and reach their career goals. After certification they are paired with a community business partner for hands-on job experience.
Benefits to Students
• High Quality Student Experiences
• Professional Development
• Clarified Career Goals
• Workforce Readiness
• Increased Independence
• Career Success
Be a Business Partner!
Interested in becoming a PALS business partner or hosting an intern?
Hiring a person with disabilities can:
- Create better relationships and expand customer base
- Increase retention which reduces hiring and training costs
- Make a positive impact on a person and their families
- Provide possible tax incentives and deductions
- Ensure diversity in the workplace
