Institute Events and Trainings
Institute on Disabilities at Temple University

EDUCATION

Academy for Adult Learning

Meet the Classes




About the Academy for Adult Learning


Photo: the Academy students and mentors in 2010Selected individuals with intellectual disabilities spend four semesters on Temple University's main campus experiencing college life. The Academy for Adult Learning is designed to give these individuals an authentic college experience.

Participants attend classes, explore career options based on their interests and goals, and participate in the wide variety of activities available to all Temple students.

Each Academy participant is matched with a student mentor who supports the individual in accessing Temple University's many resources. Current Temple students are recruited, hired and trained by the Institute to serve as effective mentors.

The basic principles of the program are:


  • The program is an authentic learning experience.
  • Participants determine and direct the support they need.
  • The outcomes are personalized for each individual.
  • Participants are enrolled in a weekly seminar focusing on college life in addition to their academic courses.

To be considered for the Academy for Adult Learning, participants must:


  • Have an intellectual disability as documented through the County Office of Intellectual Disabilities/Mental Retardation in which the student resides
  • Be between the ages of 18 and 26
  • Have the ability to pay for classes through service funds or privately
  • Have transportation to Temple's main campus
  • Be available to attend day and evening classes
  • Be able to participate in extracurricular campus activities for a minimum of 10 hours per week

To be considered for the Academy for Adult Learning MENTOR, participants must be:


  • A Temple student in any major course of study and in need of community service credits (in addition to hourly wage)
  • A work study OR non-work study student
  • Able to work 10 hours a week (flexible)
  • Able to create activities to build on Academy students' recreational and social involvement
  • Available to attend bi-weekly meetings

For more information about the program or about becoming a mentor, contact:


Kathy Miller
Telephone: 215-204-9395
Email: millerk@temple.edu

Applications


A new participant application is now available.

PDF documents require Adobe Reader (free). Get Adobe reader for PDF Get Adobe Reader.

Printable Application for PARTICIPANTS—PDF document
(Print, complete and send as directed)

Online Application for MENTORS | Printable Application for MENTORS—Word document
(Print, complete and send as directed)