Project EXCELL | Community Tool Box

Overview

Project EXCELL (Extending College Education for Lifelong Learning) for is a program that provides personal enrichment and life skill classes to adults 18 years and older with developmental disabilities. Students come from as far as 60 miles one way to attend classes in Manhattan KS. This program offers social and educational opportunities for students who may not otherwise be able to participate in a college setting through classes held on Saturday mornings on Kansas State University’s campus. Class topics include a variety of skills including money management, reading and math, art, current events, languages and many others. The program offers educational and social enrichment to a group that has few other options in the area. Individuals from the campus and community volunteer with the program to aid in classrooms and socialize during break times. Fall 2014, 72 students participated in EXCELL classes.

Website: http://tryufm.org/

Photo of Kansas State University’s Willie the Wildcat visiting Project EXCELL students

Kansas State University’s Willie the Wildcat visiting Project EXCELL students

Video

Summary of Taking Action

Assessment:
Qualitative data from service providers indicated a strong need for educational enrichment opportunities for developmentally disabled adults in the area. A large number are on waiting lists or live at home with no services of any kind. Educational opportunities are nearly nonexistent after graduation from high school. Representatives from service providers, area school districts and Kansas State University came together to identify ways that this group could be served. Local teachers, KSU facilities and K-state student volunteers became the foundation to create the program structure. EXCELL is the first program in our area to enable this group to have purposeful access to a university campus. K-State student volunteers and EXCELL students interact and learn from each other. The program has a profound impact on the participants, allowing them to participate in the community, experience a college environment and develop life skills and employability skills.

Planning:
In the fall of 2009, the idea for the project was presented to a group of area Special Education Cooperatives, four adult service agencies, and representatives from Kansas State University and UFM. The enthusiasm and cooperative spirit among these groups allowedthe project to develop quickly. The first semester of class activities was held in the spring of 2010, only four months after the first planning meeting. The mission is to provide educational enrichment and job skill training to area adults with mild developmental disabilities. Objectives include: 1) making personal enrichment and life-enhancing classes available to individuals 18 years and older who have mild developmental disabilities or other cognitive disabilities offered in a college setting; and 2) utilizing traditional K-State students in the special education program as role models and program assistants. Classes are offered at KSU on Saturday mornings during the academic year.

Taking Action:
Class dates, topics and instructors are selected by the steering committee. Classes are developed to provide educational enrichment, expand life skills and prepare students for possible employment. Space is donated by the K-State Student Union. Community members with backgrounds in special education serve as instructors, teaching classes on a part-time basis. Traditional college students. Approximately 30 K-State students, interested in special education, serve as student volunteers. These volunteers provide assistance with mobility and finding classrooms, help in the classroom, and interact with EXCELL students during break times. This interaction between volunteers and participants enhances social and leisure skills while facilitating new friendships. Individuals, businesses and charitable groups are contacted to assist with funds or in-kind contributions. Students receive a K-State identification card to enhance the college-like experience. At the end of the school year, students are recognized with a graduation celebration and the awarding of a completion of attendance certificate.

Evaluation:
The success of Project EXCELL is measured in several ways. Success has been measured by continuously expanding participation numbers, as well as the variety of class opportunities available to students. While no grades are given, instructors monitor attendance and provide feedback to students at each class session. At the end of the school year, students are asked to demonstrate what they have learned as part of the "graduation" program. Written evaluations are provided by students and by parents periodically, and then are reviewed in order to adjust classes to best fit the needs of students. The program has grown from 17 participants the first semester, spring 2010, to 72 students in fall, 2014.

Sustaining the work:
Project EXCELL has been a success among our target audience. Sustaining the project in order to serve an increasing student population is a top concern at Steering Committee meetings. The first topic of concern is funding. The program has identified three current sources of funding in addition to participant class fees. Additional sources need to be cultivated for future growth. Expanding the instruction staff is another area for development. We need a larger instructor pool to avoid burnout. We are contacting schools and university sources to begin this process. The third area of concern is continued university support and provision of space. The space currently being used will be renovated in the coming year. The steering committee is brainstorming other campus locations that could accommodate 4 - 5 classrooms and a common gathering area. UFM and the EXCELL steering committee intend to keep this valuable program alive and growing.

Impact/Results

Project EXCELL serves a group of adults who receive limited enrichment and few educational opportunities outside of this program. The first semester the program was offered had 17 students enrolled. The enrollment has increased every semester since. Fall 2014 had 72 participants. Students travel as long as an hour one way on Saturday mornings to participate in the program. Traditional college students, interested in learning more about the field of special education, serve as Student Assistants in the program. They assist in the classroom and interact with EXCELL students during break times. This enhances social and leisure skills while making new friendships that could last a lifetime. Some KSU students also teach classes as part of their learning experience. EXCELL students gain confidence, practice social skills and improve academic skills such as reading and math that make them more employable in the community.