Post Secondary Education & Training
Financial aid assists a student in paying for higher education. There are different types of financial aid:
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Grants
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Work Study
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Scholarships
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Loans
Scholarship Resources:
Grants, Scholarships, & Work Study is money that is “gifted” and does not require repayment.
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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, or Federal SEOG awards, are financial grants that help financially disadvantaged students pay for college. These grants do not need to be repaid so they are very valuable financial aid options for students. Your demonstrated need is assessed by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA.
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Fastweb Online resource to help find scholarships
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The Go-To Guide for Colleges and Financial Aid - Information on financial aid for college and tips on how to help ease the burden of college expenses.
Loans
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Loans are borrowed money to pay for the cost of attending school and is required to pay back. To apply for a loan for higher education, complete the Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Scholarships may also require the FAFSA to be completed. Complete the FAFSA after October 1st.
Financial Aid for students with Intellectual Disabilities
Students with intellectual disabilities may receive funding from the Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work-Study programs in certain circumstances.
Federal Student Aid (FSA)
FAFSA® form to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school. The FAFSA is completed on an annual basis. Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school.
Applying for Financial Aid:
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All male students 18 and older will need to fill out the Selective Service System form.
Documents to have ready:
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Social Security Number (student and parents)
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Student’s driver’s license (not required)
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Alien Registration Number if not a U.S. Citizen
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Federal tax info or W-2 information, for student and parents
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Records of untaxed income
FAFSA resources:
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7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA - Students Guide to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Disability Services at Local Colleges
Click the icons below to learn more about the student accommodations available at these schools.
College options for people with intellectual disabilities
UW-Whitewater LIFE Program
The UW-Whitewater LIFE (Learning is for Everyone) program provides a complete college experience for young adults between the ages of 18-25 who have an intellectual disability. With ample supports, specialized instruction, residential living, and community integration, the program will serve a critical need in our region and community. The program has two components, which includes a Basic Program (2 years) and an Advanced Program (2 years) that are designed to facilitate independent living and employment success for persons with significant cognitive limitations.
Program Contact:
Ashlea Roselle
P: 262-472-1905
rosellab@uww.edu
Website
Shepherds College
Shepherds College is a fully accredited, three-year, post-secondary educational program for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Throughout the three year program, students are equipped to reach Appropriate Independence through the development of vocational, social and life skills. Appropriate Independence is defined as "supported self-sufficiency, aligned with individual strengths and guided by Christian values". Current occupational program options include technology, culinary arts and horticulture. The Student Life program includes three phases of on-campus residential environments; dorms, houses/halls and apartments. Upon completion of the program students receive an accredited certificate of completion in Technology, Culinary Arts or Horticulture.
Program Contact:
Eric Lindsay
P: 262-878-6359
elindsay@shepherdscollege.edu
Website
HESED Transition Program at
Concordia University Wisconsin
HESED is located in Mequon, WI, is a two-year certificate program in the inclusive university environment of Concordia University Wisconsin. HESED is designed to meet the higher education needs of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students attending live inclusively with Concordia University students in the dorms with support, attend Concordia University courses with supports and accommodations, and have one to two internships each semester. Internships can be on campus and off campus. Students are supported by life skills coaches, job skill coaches and student classroom instructors. The goal of is to prepare students for independent adult living and employment in the community. HESED follows graduates into the community with transitional supports to continue practicing independent living skills that were acquired throughout college.
Program Contact:
Kelly Osowski
P: 262-243-2022
Kelly.osowski@cuw.edu
Website
The Cutting Edge PrograM at Edgewood College
THE CUTTING EDGE™ PROGRAM at Edgewood College was piloted in 2007, making us the first four-year college in Wisconsin to offer a fully inclusive college experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since then, the program has continued to grow and offers individualized wrap-around services to support students in academics, student housing, social experiences, and practicums/internships. We currently support 23 students per academic year. Due to the success of the program and overwhelming support, we have now expanded and are offering two additional programs: the Pre-College and the Alumni Program. As part of Edgewood College’s Dominican tradition, students learn the values of justice, compassion, truth, community, and partnership. Through these values, students are given the opportunity to experience civic engagement both on campus and in the Madison community.
Program Contact:
Cutting Edge
P: 608-663-6869
cuttingedge@edgewood.edu
Website
Life and Career Studies at Lakeland University
Based at Lakeland’s Main Campus in rural Sheboygan County, this inclusive and engaging, full-time residential program for students with intellectual disabilities features a four-year, personalized curriculum designed to promote academic, social, personal and professional growth. It fosters self-determination and provides a gateway to meaningful employment and independent and community living.
Program Contact:
P: 920-565-100
Website
