STRIVE Program
Vocational Training
Skilled Training Rewarding Independence and Vocational Education (STRIVE)
Program Description
The STRIVE Program provides adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities post-secondary instruction to facilitate joining the workforce or furthering their education. By exploring each student鈥檚 individual strengths and interests, we provide educational enrichment and pre-employment training skills designed to increase student鈥檚 independence and lead to employment.
Unique Experiences
While enrolled in the STRIVE Program, students engage in both on and off-campus learning experiences. In addition to classroom curriculum, the STRIVE Program participates with other departments in hands-on training and co-op experiences to develop skills that will assist students in gaining employment. In addition, students have the support of a job coach through the application, interview and job training process.
Admission Requirements
- Complete and submit the program Admission Application
- Interview with program coordinator
- At least 3rd grade reading level and/or compensatory comprehension skills
- Basic math understanding and ability to use a calculator
- Ability to function independently for a period of time
- Can follow directions, accepts authority; no severe behavior or emotional problems
- Can handle and adapt to change; not overly stressed
- Ability to be successful in competitive employment situations
- Desire and motivation to complete a post-secondary program
- Minimum 18 years of age at the start of the program
- Must have work and/or volunteer experience
- Must have access to dependable transportation
Program Investment
A cost of $5,800, plus fees.
STRIVE Program Overview
Communication Skills for the Workplace (CECOMG 1003): This course addresses essential listening, speaking, reading, writing and computational skills.
Career Exploration and Planning (CEPOFT 1000): An Introductory course in career exploration, educational planning, and job searching.
Basic Safety and Health (CEOSHT 1000): This course identifies common hazards and corrective actions in the workplace; and incorporates job safety analysis and appropriate training.
Professional Workforce Prep (CEPOFT 1013): This course is designed to prepare students for career success including ethics, interpersonal relations, professional attire and hire ability.
Intro to Customer Service (CEBUSG 1005): This course introduces students to the process of providing customer service to a diverse customer base. Upon completion, the student should be able to describe the different types of customers; identify customer needs; and determine strategies to provide quality customer service.
Occupational Math (CETECM 1013): The students will be introduced to math skills applicable to business and industry for successful on-the-job performance.
Intro to Business Ethics (CECOMG1040): Students will practice their strategies of business practices in workplace experiences.
Enhancing Workplace Communication (CECOMG 1004): Focuses on the principles of communication to facilitate sending and receiving various forms of written and spoken communication in the workplace.
Summer Enrichment Courses
STEAM:
Thursdays 8:30am-10:30am May 28 鈥揓uly 16 $240
Through hands-on experiments, students discover the how's and whys of various science, technology, engineering, art and math concepts. Robot building and basic computer programming concepts are also taught through an interactive, high interest program module
Strength & Fitness (two different classes offered):
Tuesdays 9:00AM-10:00AM May 26-July 14 $100 -or-
Thursdays 12:30pm-1:30pm May 28-July 16 $100
Let鈥檚 get our hearts pumping with a variety of fun and interactive workouts. Learn strength and conditioning techniques to keep your energy level high and your stress level low.
Screen-Free Gaming Club:
Thursdays 11:00am-12:00pm May 28-July 16 $200
Let鈥檚 play! Learn to play board and card games that do not require the internet or screen time. This is a great class to practice social skills, communication skills and learn games that are engaging, challenging and fun.
Art Club:
Tuesdays 11:00am-1:00pm May 26 - July 14 $240
Let's get creative. Beginner-friendly arts and crafts will bring out your inner artist with lessons in watercolor, drawing, home decor and much more.
Healthy Cooking:
Mon & Wed 9:00am-11:00am May 25 - June 17 $240
Learning to budget and prepare simple, healthy meals is a great way to develop greater independence. Students will obtain a TX Food Handler Certificate and learn the basics of safely and independently preparing meals.
Job Search:
Mon & Wed 12:00pm-2:00pm May 25 - June 17 $240
Designed for students who are in the job search process. Small student/instructor ratio to focus on fine tuning interview skills, job application completion, and advocacy during the hiring process.
To enroll in these courses:
- Visit
- Select "STRIVE Students Only" under "Topic Code."
- Find course of choice (listed by Course Name below)
- Complete purchase as prompted