Program Description 

The Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth offers a fully inclusive post-secondary college education and experience to students with different intellectual or developmental abilities who do not meet higher-education requirements for admission as a degree-seeking student. The Advanced Leadership and Career Development Certificate (ALCD) is designed for students who have been successful in completing an introductory inclusive post-secondary program.  ALCD focuses on four key areas: Academic, Social, Career, and Leadership. The ALCD program enhances career skills of students enrolled. It also allows students to grow socially, experience leadership opportunities, and receive inclusive access to KSU academic courses with student mentor support. Themed on-campus housing is available for interested participants.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to: 

1. Develop effective decision-making strategies for everyday living.
2. Focus on the development of communication skills in personal and professional settings.
3. Investigate how their skills, interests, values, and personality influence decision-making.
4. Produce a customized employment portfolio that includes resumes, cover letters, letters of recommendation, and any other essential items.

This program is a part of the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services . 

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Admissions Criteria

Kennesaw State University Academy for Inclusive Learning & Social Growth Advanced Leadership and Career Development (ALCD) program is designed for students who have successfully completed an introductory inclusive post-secondary program.  The ALCD certificate program focuses on four key areas: Academic, Social, Career, and Leadership. The ALCD program enhances career skills through expanded career development experiences. Students in this program experience social and leadership growth opportunities and benefit from access to KSU academic courses with student mentor support.

Mandatory Criteria - Students must meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission into the ALCD program.

1. Attendance at 70% of program meetings during the student’s enrollment in the ASCE program. Such meetings shall include, but are not limited to, study hall, social hours, and internship participation.
2. Demonstrate, through the evaluation of Academy staff and the submission of evaluation and documentation from qualified mental health care professionals, that they do not suffer from a mental health or behavioral condition that would impact their ability to function or participate fully in the ALCD Program.
3. Successful academic performance in ASCE, which may be demonstrated by a “C” average in their courses.  Students must not be on probation and must meet yearly AYP.
4. Ability to function independently for sustained periods of time, as demonstrated by the student’s AYP performance measures and advisor observations.
5. No reports of disruptive behaviors. For purposes of this criterion, such reports include, but are not limited to, reports or complaints from case managers, Residence Life, Student Conduct, the Office of Institutional Equity, or Public Safety.

Students must meet a minimum of 3 or more of the following criteria to be considered for admission into the program.

1. Demonstrates effective communication skills, which shall be evaluated using successful completion of the professional communication courses with a grade of “B” or better. Additional measures may include a formalized assessment in reading and positive evaluations by intern supervisors and academic advisors.
2. The student must have marketable skills that will allow them to work in a professional environment.  Measures in this area may include successful completion of the customer service certificates and positive evaluations by intern supervisors and academic advisors.
3. Reduced reliance on peer and social mentors, as demonstrated through evaluations of academic advisors, social mentors, and peer mentors. Additionally, students may be reviewed by our program social worker.
4. The student must demonstrate an interest in continuing his or her education as evidenced by previous course assignments and discussions with their academic advisors.
5. The student must demonstrate self-awareness and the ability to self-advocate. Measures in this area may include yearly participation in self-advocacy day, service-learning projects, successful completion of groups, and a positive evaluation by academic advisors.

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Program Course Requirements