About

SUCCEED is a post-secondary program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 18 through 25 years. Program participants can earn a Chancellor’s Certificate by completing the two year residential program.

Designed to encourage and develop pathways toward independence, SUCCEED offers an individualized approach to career development and transition toward degree-seeking programs. The curriculum, learning activities, and internships are structured around social interaction, personal development, independent living skills, preparation for employment and/or preparation for a degree-seeking program. 

SUCCEED students live on campus, engage in classes that promote their individual strengths, participate in student life, and experience internship opportunities with local employers.

The program offers specialized core classes that emphasize life and social skills, independent living, academic enrichment, career development, career counseling and field placements to help students focus on employment that matches their skills and interests. Students will live on campus supported by trained Residential Assistants to fully integrate into the residential, social and community life at UMSL. St. Louis Arc will provide ongoing support to campus staff and faculty to ensure the highest quality services.

Mission

To provide an opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to develop the skills necessary to become participating members of their community through full inclusion in university life and, in so doing, to enrich the diversity of the University.

Eligibility

Applicants for the SUCCEED program need to meet the following criteria:

• Be between age 18 through 25 years of age.
• Have a documented intellectual or developmental disability.
• Demonstrate a strong interest or desire to pursue post-secondary education to expand career & life opportunities.
• Have completed or will complete high school with a modified/standard diploma, or a certificate of program completion/achievement.
• Be able to commit to a two year (four semesters) college certificate program and take 4 to 8 hours of classes per week.
• Have experience in attending and participating in classes for up to 50-90 minutes at a time.
• Be able to spend time alone and manage own self-care.
• Be able and willing to learn and participate in inclusive classroom and work settings.
• Have experience staying overnight without parent supervision (camp, class trip, relatives’ home).
• Be able to follow the UMSL Student Standard of Conduct.