College for Life
The path to greater inclusion, independence and contribution within your community!
JWCC enriches lives through learning by providing accessible educational opportunities and services at an exceptional value. College for Life (CFL) extends that mission to students with intellectual or developmental disabilities, allowing JWCC to better reach the community as a whole.
Eligibility
College for Life is for students 18 years of age and older who:
- Have an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD), or similar learning challenge.
- Want to continue their education beyond high school.
- Want to take non-credit courses.
- Want to be part of campus life.
Students who are ages 18-21 and still receiving special education services are encouraged to consider College for Life. CFL can be a part of an effective IEP Transition Plan. Dual-enrolled students can continue receiving special education services from their school district while attending CFL. The CFL Coordinator is available to talk to parents and educators interested in this option.
Requirements
Students are responsible for:
- Transportation to and from campus.
- Lunch. (Like any other student – bring your own, buy on campus, go out with a friend.)
- Getting around campus. (No supervision will be provided outside of the classroom.)
- Self-care needs.
- Following the College Code of Conduct. (Do not be a danger to yourself or others. Do not interfere with learning.)
- Payment of tuition.
“We never dreamt that a program like this would ever be available for Nick. Nick has a completely different attitude going to JWCC than he did in high school. He has a great attitude at home and talks non-stop after being picked up both days. We are amazed and so grateful! Nick is so very fond of all of his instructors. We have never experienced the excitement that Nick has when he comes home. The last 2 weeks have been such a pleasant surprise.”
Jill Burgess, Nick’s mother
Courses/Schedule
College for Life courses are non-credit and include a variety of topics to prepare students for a fulfilling adult life in their communities.
Classes meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 2:50 PM each 16-week semester (August – December; January – May). CFL follows the JWCC academic calendar. Students are required to take Self-Advocacy and at least 2 other courses of their choice each semester. (Special considerations regarding this requirement can be arranged).
A Learning Coach or volunteers may be available in classes to assist students. Instructors will consider diverse learners when choosing information and activities for the courses.
Spring 2025 Courses
| Course Title | Day | Time | Tuition |
| JWCC/Blessing Hospital Workforce Prep | T/Th | 9:00 -10:50 AM | $375 |
| Easy Morning Fitness | T/Th | 9:00 - 9:25 AM | $125 |
| Budgets, Bills & Buck$ | T/Th | 9:00 - 9:25 AM | $125 |
| Blazer Cafe | T/Th | 9:30 - 10:20 AM | $250 |
| Health, Wellness & Emergency Prep | T/Th | 9:30 - 10:20 AM | $250 |
| Self-Advocacy (Required) | T/Th | 10:30 - 10:55 AM | $125 |
| Gratitude, Gifts & Giving Back (Service Projects) | T/Th | 11:00 - 11:50 AM | $250 |
| Lights, Camera, Action (QCT Theater) | T/Th | 11:00 - 11:50 AM | $250 |
| No Classes - Lunch Break | T/Th | 11:50 AM - 12:40 PM | |
| Meal Prep & Crockpot Cooking | T/Th | 12:40 - 1:30 PM | $275 |
| Everyday Art: Creating Using Everyday Items | T/Th | 12:40 - 1:30 PM | $250 |
| Hands-On Science: Matter & Energy | T/Th | 1:35 - 2:25 PM | $250 |
| Spring Gardening | T/Th | 1:35 - 2:25 PM | $250 |
| Garden Market | T/Th | 2:30 - 2:55 PM | $125 |
| Afternoon Stretch & Aerobics | T/Th | 2:30 - 2:55 PM | $125 |
Cost & Scholarships
Average course costs are $125 – 250. Some courses may also have supply fees which are typically $25 – $50 per course.
Need-based scholarships are available through the JWCC Foundation:
Jeff Burgess CFL Scholarship – The family and friends of Jeff Burgess established an endowed fund in his memory to provide an annual Jeff Burgess Scholarship to a student in the College for Life Program, as well as direct support to the CFL Program. Jeff had a talent for giving practical and wise advice, and he fit the description of life coach very well. This scholarship is awarded to a student participating in the CFL Program.
CFL Tuition Support Scholarship – The CFL Tuition Support Scholarship is funded through the generosity of many private and public donations. Family members, friends and organizations connected to our students continue to provide for their ongoing educational experience.
College for Life tuition cannot be covered by federal or state financial aid (e.g. PELL, MAP, college work-study). However, ABLE account funds may be used for education expenses. Families and students are encouraged to reach out to civic and faith-based organizations to inquire about new scholarship possibilities.
Interested in supporting the College for Life program and our students? You can donate through the JWCC Foundation! When giving online, please select “other programs/projects” and indicate you are giving to College for Life.
For more information on establishing a scholarship, please contact the JWCC Foundation.
