Criteria and Process

Must have:

• 3rd grade reading level 
• Ability to operate independently for a sustained period (ex. navigate campus buildings, arrivals, departures, and self-care without assistance). 
• No significant behavioral or emotional problems that would impact school performance
• Ability to be successful in competitive employment situations
• Desire and motivation to complete a post-secondary program
• Have a willingness to complete all assignments with support
• Knowledge and understanding of basic mathematics with the ability to use calculator
• Successfully completed a high school program (served under IDEA)

The Academy welcomes applications from all qualified students regardless of age, race, sex, religion, disability, or cultural background. Admission to the Academy is based on several factors, and requirements for admission have been developed in accordance with the unique goals of the Academy under the direction of Kennesaw State University.

Applicant credentials must indicate a reasonable chance of successful completion of the Academy program. Admission decisions are based on an applicant’s previous record of appropriate preparation, academic performance, test results, personal qualities, and experience. It is the responsibility of the potential applicant to provide documentation.

Admission is a selective process and meeting deadlines, or minimum requirements will not necessarily guarantee acceptance; however, these students may be placed on a waiting list. Applicants must meet specified KSU admissions criteria and can be denied acceptance regardless of Academy Admissions decisions.

Approval for admission is valid only for the term specified at the time of acceptance and does not imply that approval will be granted for a term not specified. It is permissible to submit copies of all records except for transcripts. The Academy is unable to make copies for applicant documentation.

The Academy reserves the right to withdraw admission prior to or following enrollment if the student has falsified application materials or otherwise demonstrated ineligibility as determined by the standards of the Academy, the University, and/or the Board of Regents.

All applicants less than 22 years of age are encouraged to consider opportunities available in their current school system under Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) before committing to this fee-based program.

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