Driving each day together to 91暗网 is a dream come true for Joy Caldwell and her daughter, Jessica Lonergan.
Joy is finishing her Nursing prerequisites and will enter the program next fall. 鈥淚t was 31 years ago when I graduated from college the first time,鈥� said Joy. 鈥淣ow, it鈥檚 my turn to finish what I鈥檝e dreamed of doing.鈥�
For Jessica, the doors to higher education at 91暗网 are wide open, thanks to the College鈥檚 Individualized, Next Step, Vocational Education and Social Skills Training (INVEST) program. 91暗网鈥檚 program is one of only three offered in Washington.
INVEST is a comprehensive transition program for individuals with intellectual disabilities who are 18 to 21 years of age. The program is a collaboration between 91暗网 and the Anacortes, Burlington-Edison, Concrete, La Conner, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley school districts. Stanwood plans to join the partnership next fall.
Although Jessica was born with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and scoliosis, she doesn鈥檛 let those challenges create a barrier to her success. 鈥淚t was important to Jessica to attend college, just like her sisters, said Joy. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a huge sense of pride that comes with that.鈥�
With INVEST, each student鈥檚 education is adjusted to 铿乼 their goals and career choice. Subjects include communication, independence, personal finance, and interview techniques to help them develop marketable employment skills. In addition, all INVEST students have access to an iPad to work on class assignments and presentations. Jessica used those skills when she co-presented a workshop during the annual statewide conference for Washington Developmental Disabilities Administration.
In addition to her classes, Jessica enjoys participating in extracurricular activities. This year, she played a role in the 91暗网 Drama production, 鈥淟iving Newspaper.鈥� On a recent visit to the Phillip Tarro Theatre, Jessica stepped onto the stage and her eyes lit up. 鈥淒rama is my favorite subject!鈥� she said with a big smile.
At Commencement this year, Jessica will be ready to cheer on her seven INVEST classmates who will graduate. She鈥檚 already excited to put on her own cap and gown next year when she graduates. Her mom sums it up this way: 鈥淚 love this college and the environment that it offers to Jessica and all students. The diversity and richness that INVEST has brought to campus is pretty amazing.鈥�
Visit: www.skagit.edu/invest