Postsecondary Programs and Services for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - Houston Community College System

IDD Postsecondary Program Information

Program NAME:


VAST Academy


Program WEBSITE:


vast.hccs.edu


Program CONTACT NAME:


Sue Moraska, Program Director


Program CONTACT PHONE:


713-718-6833


Program CONTACT EMAIL:


sue.moraska@hccs.edu


Program DESCRIPTION:


VAST Academy provides post-secondary transition programs and comprehensive support services, which lead to meaningful credentials, employment and independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities(IDDs). Opportunities include vocational certificates, pre-college and freshman success bridge courses, career readiness credentials, internships and employment assistance offered through an inclusive, relevant and affordable avenue.


Are students in High School ELIGIBLE for this program?


No


Types of COLLEGE COURSES taken by students in this program:


  • College courses for credit that lead to a certificate or degree
  • Continuing education courses
  • Most students in VAST Academy are enrolled in non-credit Continuing Ed. courses, and about 15% move into college credit courses, leading to a workforce certificate and/or associates degree. Some students are dual enrolled in credit and VAST.

Options for APPLYING for admission to this program:


  • Regular college/university admissions process
  • Specific application
  • VAST Academy students complete both HCC Admissions/Con. Ed. application and go through a formalized admissions process with our VAST Academy.

After completing this program, students are eligible to earn the following CREDENTIALS:


A non-credit Occupational Skills Certificate (Career Readiness), and some move on into credit Workforce certificates after completing VAST Academy.


LENGTH OF TIME expected to complete this program:


2 years


SPECIAL COURSES designed for students with IDD in this program:


  • Individual instruction or tutoring
  • Life skills
  • Social skills
  • Study skills
  • Orientation to college
  • Community-based instruction
  • Independent living instruction
  • Travel training

FEES associated with this program:


Yes. The same as standard course fees.


SCHOLARSHIPS available for this program:


Yes


RESIDENTIAL options for on-campus living:


No