Education
SUCCEED collaborates with area colleges to provide a comprehensive post-secondary education experience. The educational planning process is student driven to incorporate individualized academic goals. Students have access to the following:
- SUCCEED academic courses, instructed on UVM campus, with learning objectives focused on communication and relationship dynamics, organizational strategies, study habits, conflict resolution, distress tolerance, human behavior, personal finance, self determination, community outreach, and career development
- College courses at the University of Vermont, Community College of Vermont and other area schools
- Group and 1:1 study sessions, as well as tutoring support
- A SUCCEED Program Manager to help coordinate services and function as liaison to college disability offices and admissions.
Campus Life
Students participate in the full college experience by becoming involved in the campus culture. The campus has endless social/recreational opportunities and SUCCEED students are required to join a collegiate or Burlington area club.
Campus mentors provide additional social support to encourage SUCCEED student involvement. Mentors are other UVM students who are matched with SUCCEED students based on a mutual interest.
All SUCCEED students have a student ID card that grants them access to key campus resources such as the athletic facilities, campus transportation and CAT Scratch dining.
In addition to the campus culture, students are encouraged to become involved in the greater community. Students fulfill a volunteer requirement by supporting organizations such as the Humane Society, the United Way, or Special Olympics through community service.
Career Development
Students design a career path of their choice with their Employment Advisor. The Employment Advisor, through Howard Center’s Project Hire, guides students through the employment and career development process, helping them to secure paid employment, while also planning for a professional career. Students who participate in the employment component of SUCCEED have support to do the following:
- Part-time paid positions.
- Interview coaching.
- On-the-job-training.
- Development of a personalized employment portfolio.
- A semester-long internship in their field of interest.
- Job shadowing opportunities.
- Attend campus career fairs and other networking opportunities.
Student Housing
SUCCEED has two residential sites located in college neighborhoods in downtown Burlington. Both sites offer group living opportunities as well as independent apartments.
First year students live in one of the main SUCCEED houses among program peers and a Residential Advisor. In this residential model, students learn and improve on a number of independent living skills with staff supports in areas such as cooking, household upkeep, communication with housemates and effective time management. Students participate in weekly chore, grocery shopping and meal prep rotations to practice routines and responsibilities necessary for eventually living independently.
Students who have demonstrated the necessary skills to transition from the main SUCCEED house, move to an onsite apartment. In this model, students continue to receive support from the staff team, however; responsibilities increase along with independence. Following this progression through the residential component, students are better prepared for life after SUCCEED.
Contact Us
Thanks for your interest in SUCCEED. For more information, please contact us at 802-488-6580 or 802-488-6000, or email Mark Prior at MPrior@howardcenter.org.