Mentor School

Penn Yan CSD/ARC/Keuka College

D.R.I.V.E. Transition Program

School: Penn Yan
District: Penn Yan Central School District
Grade Level: 1-4
Region: Mid-West (RFF contact)

• Rural District servicing a 175 mile radius.
• 21.9% of children living in poverty.
• 13% student with disability classification.

Demographics

• Grades:
• Enrollment: 1,738
• Needs/Resource Category:
• Free & Reduced Lunch: 47%
• SWD:

Racial & Ethnic

• White
• Black or African American
• Hispanic or Latino
• Asian or Pacific Islander

D.R.I.V.E.

Video: Diversity, Responsibility, Inclusion, Vision, and Experiential Learning

The Practice:

The DRIVE program is designed to serve the needs of 18-21 year old students with disabilities who have developmental delays by providing an opportunity to pursue their long-term adult outcomes (LTAO) on the campus of Keuka College. This program is a collaborative effort between the Penn Yan School District, Yates County ARC, and Keuka College.

Program Goals

• Offer age appropriate and inclusive educational experiences to 18-21 year old students with disabilities who have developmental delays (including current high school students, students who have graduated with an IEP diploma, and adults with developmental disabilities), allowing them to become integrated and involved in their post-high school community
• Better prepare students with the skills they need to pursue competitive employment, experience lifelong learning opportunities, and participate in community activities that match their goals, dreams, and interests
• Create new and varied experiential learning opportunities for typical Keuka College students.

Program Features

• Students are required to take classes in the four core academic subjects of English, social studies, math and science; instruction is differentiated in these classes to meet their varying needs. All students are also required to take at least one typical college course, depending upon their personal interests. Students also take life skills classes, and are assigned work-study placements within the community.
• All DRIVE students are fully integrated into Keuka College; they have college identification cards, and full access to food services, the library and the Physical Arts Building. Students have joined campus clubs and attend many campus events.
• Paid peer mentors have the responsibility of assisting DRIVE students in academic classes and integrating them into campus life.

Benefits

• To date, DRIVE has enrolled 24 students, and has a 100% retention rate for its 4-year existence, with all students obtaining a wide-spectrum of successful field/work experience.
• In addition, the college recognizes positive outcomes for typical Keuka College students; their participation enhances their opportunities for field experience while transforming their perception of persons with cognitive disabilities.
• Keuka College faculty benefit as well, enriching and extending their understanding and application of Universal Design for Learning.