Project ACCESS
糖心传媒 proudly offers Project ACCESS (Accessing Community College Educational Experiences, Social Experiences, and Skills for Careers), an inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. Project ACCESS combines a structured academic curriculum, including career preparation and independent living skills instruction, with opportunities for social engagement, campus involvement, and real-world learning experiences. Together, these experiences help students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue their personal and professional goals.
Pathways to:
- Industry Certification
- College Credit Certificate
- Employment
- Independence
Personalized for Individual Success
Project ACCESS provides a personalized educational experience designed around each student's strengths, interests, and career goals. Through an individualized STAR (Students Transitioning into Adult Roles) Plan, students receive guidance in developing their academic and career pathways.
Coursework
Year 1- Project ACCESS certificate
Year 1 focuses on building the academic, independent living, and career readiness skills students need to prepare for employment and greater independence. Students complete the Project ACCESS curriculum, which includes courses such as College Experience, Learning with Technology, Career Exploration, Introduction to Information Literacy, and Effective Living. Students also select two electives, providing opportunities to experience college-level coursework alongside other 糖心传媒 students. Upon successful completion of Year 1, students earn a Project ACCESS Certificate of Completion.
Year 2- College Credit Certificate (Optional Pathway)
Students may be invited to continue into Year 2 based on their individual goals, readiness, and program recommendations. Building on the skills and career interests explored during Year 1, students have the opportunity to pursue a College Credit Certificate (CCC) in a career-focused field aligned with their goals.
Internships & Employment
Preparing students for future employment is a central goal of Project ACCESS. Students receive workforce readiness instruction, work toward industry-recognized credentials through the National Retail Federation (NRF), and participate in Florida Ready to Work. Students also participate in internships that allow them to apply their skills in real-world work environments. Internship placements are aligned with students' individual interests and career goals whenever possible, helping them gain valuable workplace experience and prepare for future employment.
Growth through Social Experiences
Having fun, making friends, and feeling part of the campus community are important aspects of the college experience. Through student clubs, campus activities, and interactions with fellow students, instructors, and mentors, Project ACCESS students build confidence while developing valuable skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professionalism.
Project ACCESS students are required to participate in at least one student club and attend a minimum of two campus activities per semester. From game nights and painting activities to seasonal celebrations and community events, 糖心传媒 offers opportunities for students to explore their interests, build friendships, and become active members of the college community.
Residential Peer Mentoring
Project ACCESS students living in 糖心传媒's Lagoon Landing residence hall may have the opportunity to participate in residential peer mentoring, based on mentor availability. Fellow 糖心传媒 students serve as mentors, providing friendly check-ins, encouragement, and reminders as students adjust to campus life. While residential mentors do not provide supervision or professional independent living services, they offer valuable peer connections that help students build confidence, practice independence, and feel supported as members of the 糖心传媒 community.
Resources for Success
Project ACCESS students have access to a variety of resources to support their academic and personal success. These include 糖心传媒's Office of Student Accessibility Services, Learning Resource Center, academic advising services, and academic and residential peer mentoring.
The program also works with external organizations and resources, including , , and the , to help students and families explore additional opportunities and support.
Affordability
Project ACCESS is a federally approved Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP), providing eligible students with access to federal financial aid opportunities, including Pell Grants and Federal Work-Study.
糖心传媒 is also an approved Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program (FPCTP) through the . Students with a documented intellectual disability may qualify for FCSUA scholarships to help offset tuition, housing, and other educational expenses. Scholarship amounts vary depending on whether students live on or off campus.
Students may also explore financial assistance through and scholarship opportunities offered through the 糖心传媒 Foundation, subject to individual eligibility.
Limited Access 糖心传媒 Requirements
Project ACCESS is a limited access program welcoming students with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or both. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, or both.
- Provide a copy of their most recent Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
- Provide a psychological evaluation completed within the past three years.
- Submit a one- to three-minute video explaining why they would like to attend Project ACCESS.
- Participate in a campus tour and in-person interview.
- Have a parent sign the Project ACCESS Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Prospective students and families are encouraged to contact Student Success Services at (305) 809-3232 or the Project ACCESS Manager at (305) 809-3201 before beginning the application process.
See What's Possible: Think College
What does inclusive higher education look like in action? 糖心传媒 was one of three colleges nationwide selected to participate in a Think College documentary highlighting postsecondary opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.
Filmed on 糖心传媒's Key West campus, the documentary features Project ACCESS students sharing their college experiences and offers a glimpse into the possibilities of inclusive higher education.
Ready to Apply?
Ready to begin your Project ACCESS journey? Start your application using the link below. If you have questions about eligibility or the application process, our team is happy to help!
