College Planning for Special Populations

1. College Planning for Special Populations (PART 2) CUNY Collaborative Programs: A NYGEAR UP Partner

2. Agenda: Special Populations • Part 1 • Undocumented Youth • English Language learners • Immigrant and Refugee families • Part 2 • Youth with Disabilities • Homeless Youth • Youth in Foster Care

3. Youth With Disabilities CUNY Collaborative Programs: A NYGEAR UP Partner

4. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 Plans • The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written statement of the Department of Education’s plan to provide your child with special education services in the least restrictive environment. • Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) means that your child will be educated alongside his or her non-disabled peers for as much of the day as possible. • 504 Plans outline how a child’s specific needs are met with accommodations, modifications and other services. These measures “remove barriers” to learning. For example, students with ADHD might qualify for a 504 plan. • IEP vs. 504: 504s have a broader definition of disability and can include something like attention deficit. 504s will outline any changes to the learning environment to meet the child’s needs, whereas IEPs outline any special educations services.

5. Diploma Information for Students with IEPs • Option 1: Advanced Regents Diploma • Score 65+: ELA, 3 math, any social studies, 2 science, any additional state-approved Regents, and any NYC languages other than English exam • Option 2: Regents Diploma • Score 65+: ELA, any math, any social studies, any science, and any additional state-approved Regents • Option 3: Local Diploma • Allows students who meet specific criteria to graduate with lower exam scores • Option 4: Two Non-Diploma Credentials that demonstrate career-readiness • Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement credential: academic and personal behaviors in the workplace • Skills and Achievement credential: supports the attainment of career-readiness skills

6. College planning for students with IEPs • The college plan focuses on: • Instruction to help the student achieve his or her individual goals; • Building employment skills and other tools for adult life; • Community integration; • Developing daily living skills (for students who require this kind of assistance)

7. Sample Transition Plan • Student Exit Summary: • Student’s Post-secondary Goals • Recommendations for reaching Post-secondary Goals • Identify organizations that can support student

8. What is the Role of a High School Student in Transition Planning? • Use the school’s career center/guidance counselor to identify interests and find out what education and training are required. • Complete interest inventories to identify interests, skills, abilities, and aptitudes as they relate to employment. • Do volunteer work or entry-level jobs in field(s) of interest. • Shadow or interview adults in jobs or career fields that interest them. • Visit colleges and other post-secondary training sites.

9. Self-Advocacy

10. Homeless Youth/ Youth in Foster Care CUNY Collaborative Programs: A NYGEAR UP Partner

11. Rights of Homeless Youth • The right to equal access to free public education • The right to remain in the school they were attending before they became homeless • The right to transportation to their school

12. Transition Planning for Homeless Youth With district support, planning includes: • College selection and application process • Financial Aid and the student’s rights as an unaccompanied youth • Awareness of college supports (including housing choices, employment options, transportation options and academic supports)

13. FAFSA: The Special Circumstances • Students must prove their independence to financial aid administrators, who will then make the determination regarding their dependency status. • To do so: • Students must fill out the FAFSAforms • On the FAFSA, students indicate that they fall under the “special circumstances” category and cannot provide their parents’ information. • Students should immediately follow up with the college financial aid office to determine if any additional documentation or information is needed.

14. The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) To qualify as an independent student: • A ward of the court (not including status as an inmate). • Are receiving public assistance under your own budget and not as a dependent of your parents. • Other circumstances that result in parents losing guardianship

15. Campus Supports • CUNY FOSTER CARE COLLABORATIVE: a one-stop website detailing a range of CUNY resources, program, services, and supports available to students in care at CUNY • SUNY Educational Opportunity Program (EOP): provides access, academic support and financial aid to students who show promise for succeeding in college but who may not have otherwise been offered admission • The Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI) is a new program specifically for foster youth who are either already in college or about to enter college designed to provide them with the necessary supports and financial assistance to help them achieve academic success and meet college expenses.

16. Questions • Please complete the workshop evaluation form.