DREAM Program

Program Plan
Support

About Mercer County Community College
Financial Information

Application

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Mercer County Community College's DREAM Program provides transition and postsecondary program opportunities for students whose limitations in both intellectual and adaptive behavior require significant additional supports to navigate the postsecondary environment. Upon successful application and acceptance to the program, identified students, ages 18-25, have the opportunity to reach individual goals in an inclusive and supportive college setting.

All students are required to participate in courses that are uniquely designed for students in the DREAM Program, as well as Mercer County Community College (MCCC) general course offerings. Students register for college courses based on placement and may be permitted to audit classes in areas of interest. All students develop a MCCC transcript and have the opportunity to earn credits towards a MCCC certificate or degree. Students work closely with program staff each semester to identify and evaluate goals, build schedules, arrange for mandatory job shadowing experiences, and identify existing community supports.

Participation in the DREAM program is generally limited to four semesters. Students who have achieved satisfactory academic progress throughout the four semesters and continue to have an identified goal may apply to continue with the DREAM Program for an additional fee. Other students may continue to pursue academic or vocational goals by taking credit or non-credit classes at MCCC but will no longer be eligible to receive the significant additional supports offered through the DREAM Program.

Program Plan

The DREAM Program is student-centered; each student's course of study is determined by the student's goals and needs. Areas of focus include:

Academic experiences, in which students build skills in reading, writing and math and explore areas of both career and personal interest such as technology and the arts.
Career-related experiences, in which students participate in job shadowing and develop job-seeking skills such as resume writing, interviewing, and portfolio development.
Independent living skill development in areas such as self-advocacy and self-determination.
Socialization experiences through full participation in college activities.

Support

The DREAM Program offers multiple supports to enhance opportunities for student growth.

DREAM student orientation in mid-August offers new students the opportunity to engage socially with peers, mentors and staff and build community as they begin to assume the roles and responsibilities of college students. Students explore the college and its resources and receive a technology overview, including accessing the MyMercer student portal. Students are presented information about MCCC's Learning Management System, Blackboard, and are introduced to various video platforms, including Microsoft Teams. Students may meet individually with DREAM program Education Specialists to further develop and apply these technology skills.
Two classes uniquely designed for DREAM students:

STU 090 / Transition to College* (50 minutes, one day/week), a class for new students, includes development of college-related skills: understanding expectations of college, working with mentors, developing self-advocacy skills, accessing resources, using technology and discovering and understanding learning styles. Through participation in mini-lessons, role-play, journaling, and individual and team projects and presentations, students develop vital skills and build community.
[ * In semesters Two through Four, STU 090 is an academic skill-building class, with mini lessons and practice in skills such as note-taking and time management. ]
STU 023 / Career Exploration (50 minutes, one day/week) -- New and continuing students explore multiple aspects of career development, career assessment, development of transferable skills, the job search, resume development, interview skills and virtual job shadowing/internships.

Peer Mentors, who include current MCCC students, alumni, and community members, undergo specialized training to provide academic support to students in selected classes and during weekly homework help sessions.
While we encourage students to take their own notes, class notes, developed by mentors, are emailed to students the day following their class meetings. The notes clearly detail class process and content, and delineate homework, tests and projects.
The DREAM Program staff, including three Education Specialists and a Manager, provide ongoing support to DREAM students through academic advisement, referral to tutoring and other college resources, bi-weekly check ins, encouragement of self-advocacy and advocacy and support/guidance in day-to-day situations.
The Center for Accessibility Resources (CAR) staff at MCCC offers advocacy, support with accommodations and other services to help students get the most out of their college experience.

About Mercer County Community College

Mercer County Community College is committed to inclusive education and the development of academic, economic, and personal growth opportunities for all students. The college's vast array of academic and student services provides continuing support for all students, including those who need extra support to achieve success.

Enrollment in the DREAM program is limited. Applications for the next academic year will be accepted beginning February 1. Admission decisions will be made as applications are received.

The DREAM Program acknowledges the generous contributions from the National Down Syndrome Society and the Riggio family, whose initial grants and technical support provided the foundation for the current program.

Financial Information

Cost
The cost of the DREAM Program is $1,011 per semester for the program fee, plus the cost of tuition for registered courses.

Federal Financial Aid
Students may apply for federal financial aid here.

New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities
Students may apply for support/funding here.