UNH-4U Bridges

Registration is now closed for the Spring 2021 UNH-4U Bridges series. Please check back later in the spring for information on the next UNH-4U Bridges series.

UNH-4U Bridges to College and Career Webinar Training Series is a virtual series is designed to prepare young adults with ID and previously eligible for the Individual Education Opportunity Act (IDEA) in pursuit of college and career with important takeaways, including self-discovery, occupational/academic direction, advocacy, confidence with technology,  social connections, and furtherance of college and career plans. Each of these takeaways informs futures planning for both student and program offerings. UNH-4U Bridges: An Online Training Series Toward College and Career prepares young adults for higher education, independent living, and careers through three, virtual trainings:

 

Successful completion of these preparatory trainings will promote participants’ self-awareness, employment/academic direction, advocacy, technology and personal computing skills, knowledge of resources, and enhance social connections. Each training will occur remotely via Zoom.  All materials will be provided. Participants will connect and collaborate related to shared interests and training content. Coaching and mentoring will be provided. Some of this will occur outside of class hours.

*Academic and Assistive Technology for College Access is a pre-requisite for all students enrolled in UNH4U Bridges. An Assistive Technology assessment and entrance interview will be given by project staff to determine whether individual students have the skills required to place out of this course either partially or completely.
 

To Apply

To apply, please complete the 2020 UNH-4U Bridges Application. The deadline for applications is December 10, 2020., or once the program has reached capacity 
 

Required Technology

The following technology is required for participation. If you are unsure if your technology meets the requirements of the program, the information will be reviewed during the follow-up interview.: 

  • A computer with one of the following: 
    • PC with 8GB of RAM
    • Mac with 8GB of RAM
  • A computer camera
  • A computer speaker to hear others (most computers have this built-in)
  • A computer microphone
  • Chargers for all equipment
  • Internet Service 
  • Active student email address and ready access for correspondence
  • Technical assistance for other technology needs, such as downloading Zoom, will be provided, as needed, by UNH-4U Bridges staff. 

Anyone registering for UNH-4U Bridges should be prepared with a current laptop to optimize participation. Given the content being taught, the use of Chromebooks and cell phones is problematic for accessing training materials and completing course requirements. For more information, please contact Caitlyn Fulton.
 

ELIGIBILITY

The UNH-4U Bridges trainings are open to students age 18-24 with intellectual disabilities who are currently or were previously eligible for special education and related services under IDEA. For all applicants, including students with autism or traumatic brain injury that may also be considered ID, UNH-4U Bridges will require documentation (such as the most recent IEP, psychological or educational evaluations, or diagnostic documentation) that the student has an ID, and is/was eligible to receive special education services. Space is limited. Upon receipt of the application, UNH-4U staff will contact the applicant to conduct a remote interview (telephone, Zoom, Skype, etc.) and request further information as necessary. The UNH-4U Bridges selection process will determine the final roster for each of the three trainings. Among the considerations for fit include the following:
 
  • Access to high-speed internet and computer hardware to access the virtual learning environment
  • Access to the internet and course material
  • Schedule availability to attend the live training sessions
  • Schedule availability to connect with Mentors and training instructors
  • Schedule availability and support (if needed) to complete assignments
The UNH-4U Bridges application asks for demographic information, educational background, support needs, volunteer or work experiences, extracurricular interests, as well as student-generated goals and aspirations for college and beyond. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to complete and submit this application as soon as possible since space is limited. Application does not guarantee admission to the program.
The cost of each Bridges course is $495. Bridges participants will be billed after accepted for enrollment. If the student is eligible for New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation or is referred by another third-party payer, the tuition may be covered. Otherwise, tuition is due upon acceptance. More details about cost will be shared post-registration.
 

Current Virtual Training Information

Academic and Assistive Technology for College Access (pre-requisite for all students)

January 5, 2021 -  Feb 4, 2021 | Tuesdays 10:30am-12:00pm & Thursdays 3:30pm-5:00pm

This course is a pre-requisite for all students enrolled in UNH-4U Bridges. An Assistive Technology assessment and entrance interview will be given by project staff to determine whether individual students have the skills required to place out of this course either partially or completely.

Students will learn about the most commonly used academic technologies utilized for college classes, including Zoom, Microsoft Office, Canvas, and UNH email. In addition, students will learn about Assistive Technology options to support access and success, including support for reading, writing, note-taking and executive function skills. Some examples include text to speech for having websites and documents read aloud, word prediction and voice typing/ dictation for writing support and using calendars and reminders for scheduling and attending classes. Additional tools to support organization, memory and specific sensory needs such as vision and hearing will also be provided to students as needed. Training will be conducted remotely.

Setting and Realizing Goals Using Person-Centered Planning and Assistive Technology

February 8, 2021 - April 9, 2021 | Mondays 1:00pm-2:20pm

Participants will collaborate with Peer Mentors and discover strategies for setting and realizing goals after high school in a college or career setting. Person-centered planning will be introduced as a strategy for goal setting, identifying support needs, and exploring the role assistive technology can play in reaching goals. Participants will experiment with person-centered planning strategies related to the topics of employment and career planning, education and training, social development, community living, civic engagement, and health and wellness. Education and assistive technology will be explored to assess the connections they may have to your future. Training will be conducted remotely. Mentor connections may occur outside of the live training sessions.

Healthy and Social Aspects of College Life

February 8, 2021 - April 9, 2021 | Thursdays 1:00pm-2:20 pm

Participants will explore health and wellness as it relates to a healthy and productive college experience. Areas of exploration include creating your study sanctuary, time management, healthy living, social opportunities and relationships, and community resources. Participants will incorporate these ideas into their own lives through hands-on practice, guest presentations, video instruction, small group learning, and collaboration. Training will be conducted remotely. Mentor connections may occur outside of the live training sessions.