Receives $15,000 grant to spearhead TOGETHER
By Meagan McGone
mmcgone@hometownnewsol.com
BREVARD -- Thanks to a state grant, Brevard Community College will help give students with intellectual disabilities a better opportunity for living and working independently.
In January, the college announced that it was the recipient of a $15,000 grant from the state that will be used to fund a program called "TOGETHER," which will team the college with public schools in Brevard to assist students with disabilities from ages 18 to 22.
Using academic and social mentors, the students will have the opportunity to audit classes, get involved in student clubs and participate in Student Government Association events, according to a news release from the college.
The program will aim to utilize Brevard Community College's vocation programs and campus interactions to improve their ability to live independently.
"It's an excellent opportunity for intellectually disabled students, who previously have had few options after high school," said Dr. Suzanne O'Neill, director of Brevard Community College's Office for Students with Disabilities. "This has very good potential to help them improve their lives and find a rewarding job that matches their abilities."
The program, which will be based on the college's Cocoa campus, will begin with six students in August and is expected to grow in the coming months.
"We'll work closely with Brevard Public Schools to make the program available to as many students as possible," Dr. O'Neill said. "We're eager to get started."
BCC offers more than 100 two-year degree and certificate programs and will launch its first bachelor degree programs in August, when it changes its name to Eastern Florida State College.
For more information about the TOGETHER program, contact Dr. O'Neill at oneills@brevardcc.edu or (321) 433-7008.