Southern Maine Community College is teaming up with a South Portland-based nonprofit to offer programming for young adults with intellectual disabilities.
The initiative aims to provide vital job skills for 14 students ages 18-25 in STRIVE U, a program of PSL Services/STRIVE that helps young adults live independently with employment training and other practical help.
Under the agreement with SMCC, participating STRIVE U students will take part in orientation sessions at SMCC this summer to introduce them to college life and make them feel at home on campus. Those will be followed two courses if each of the fall and spring semesters covering professionalism, Microsoft applications, customer service and interpersonal skills.
“SMCC is proud to enter into this agreement to teach STRIVE U students skills that will open up employment opportunities and help them live independently,” said SMCC President Joe Cassidy in a news release. He added that the school “is committed to student success, whether they are earning a degree, undergoing workforce training or taking part in customized programs such as this.”
PSL Services/STRIVE Executive Director Lori Sanville is equally enthusiastic about bringing the STRIVE U Program to SMCC’s South Portland campus.
“The combination of courses, co-curricular activities, involvement in student life and many other opportunities make this a tremendous match for our program,” she said. “We have been very impressed by SMCC’s administration for their creativity and desire to make this happen and work for all involved. We’re excited to get started.”
Students participating in the new program will be issued SMCC identification cards and free bus passes, and will be invited to participate in SMCC’s graduation ceremony in May. SMCC will provide a part-time coordinator to oversee the program.