Cumberland Academy’s “Creating Futures” program teamed up with Kennesaw State’s Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth to create a new dual enrollment program.
Cumberland Academy of Georgia caters to the needs of children with high functioning Autism, Asperger’s, attention disorders and other learning differences, according to Cumberland Academy’s website.
According to the KSU Academy of Exclusive Learning and Social Growth Director Celia Scrags, the program is geared towards Cumberland Academy’s Career Prep seniors who are chosen by Cumberland staff members based on academic performance and behavior. Those who are chosen have shown the ability to withstand the course material.
“We like to make sure they are the right fit for the program,” Scrags said. “We want to make sure they understand the program and the students they are working with.”
Once a week, a group of seniors will arrive at the university accompanied by KSU student mentors. KSU’s mentors are chosen through an application process and are expected to provide help to students in regard to social integration, as well as provide academic tutoring.
“I feel as if I am an older brother to the students,” mentor Carter Hall said. “I go around and ask if they want to go to a social event or if they want to go for a walk, or do something fun.”
The program aims to give Cumberland’s seniors an opportunity to study in a college environment, adapt to college life and work alongside college students.
Students in the program will also be urged to participate in campus events as well as completing assignments given by instructors.
“I feel there is a misconception that students would not be able to transition to college if they were apart of a special ed program,” Scrags said. “One of the goals of this program is to break that stigma, and show that they can successfully integrate into a college program.”
“Creating Futures” offers classes in culinary arts, computer science and customer service. Once the student completes a course, a certificate is granted, according to Business Insider.
This program aims to provide awareness of the special education program KSU has to offer, and eradicate the misconception between those with learning disabilities, and perusing higher education, according to Business Insider.
“The good thing about this program is that our students are among 37,000 [KSU] students, and they can’t be singled out — They’re integrated,” KSU’s Academy of Exclusive Learning and Social Growth Executive Director Dr. Neil Duchac said. “They’re having fun. They’re learning. We’re focused on social integration as well as career development just the same as any other group or department on campus.”
The Cumberland Academy of Georgia’s philosophy is that they are “dedicated to the belief that faculty, staff, students and parents are all involved in our children’s education in a responsible, nurturing and supportive way,” the website states. “We strive to create a warm and inviting atmosphere and to instill in our students a sense of self-worth. We teach beneficial life skills so that our students grow into confident, cooperative and productive members of society.”
