Introduction.
The developments related to COVID-19 are unprecedented. At MICC, we are focused on the safety and well being of our participants, families, and staff.
Our 2021 Summer Program helps young adults with autism and other learning differences to develop valuable introductory independence skills. Taking the best of what MICC provides and incorporating a dynamic mix of expert staff from MICC’s comprehensive College and Careers program ensures a fantastic summer opportunity.
New in 2021, we are excited to expand our age range to offer more participants the opportunity to gain independence skills. Our Summer Program this year is broken into two, separate weeks, each crafted specifically for young adults ages 16-18 and 18-23 to gain introductory independence skills.
Traditionally, MICC’s Summer Program has been a two-week, overnight experience for teens and young adults with autism and learning differences to provide a structured and safe environment to introduce independent living and social skills, and vocational exploration. Following careful consideration with COVID-19 safety in mind, we will instead be offering an exciting day program option for in-person learning.
Participants will connect and engage through a diverse mix of individual and small group modules. Engaging and educational sessions will be provided in the areas of:
Our 2021 Summer Program helps young adults with autism and other learning differences to develop valuable introductory independence skills. Taking the best of what MICC provides and incorporating a dynamic mix of expert staff from MICC’s comprehensive College and Careers program ensures a fantastic summer opportunity.
New in 2021, we are excited to expand our age range to offer more participants the opportunity to gain independence skills. Our Summer Program this year is broken into two, separate weeks, each crafted specifically for young adults ages 16-18 and 18-23 to gain introductory independence skills.
Traditionally, MICC’s Summer Program has been a two-week, overnight experience for teens and young adults with autism and learning differences to provide a structured and safe environment to introduce independent living and social skills, and vocational exploration. Following careful consideration with COVID-19 safety in mind, we will instead be offering an exciting day program option for in-person learning.
Participants will connect and engage through a diverse mix of individual and small group modules. Engaging and educational sessions will be provided in the areas of:
- Job Seeking Skills
- Career Exploration through guest speakers and interest inventories
- Social Skills Development and Fun Activities
- Practicing Independent Living Skills
- Healthy Habits and Wellness Routines
Program Overview.
| MICC 2021 Summer Program brochure |
Spend your summer with Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC) and Learn Skills. Experience Life.
New in 2021, we are excited to expand our age range to offer more participants the opportunity to gain independence skills. Our Summer Program this year is broken into two, separate weeks, each crafted specifically for young adults ages 16-18 and 18-23 to gain introductory independence skills.
This year’s Summer Program will be one-week of daily programming and does not include an overnight component as in previous years to ensure participant and staff safety. We provide participants with a taste of independence supported by our instructors. Our experienced and diverse staff come from a variety of backgrounds supporting health and wellness, social skills, and vocational experience.
Participants will:
Careers Experience
Students will be introduced to our Careers curriculum, connecting career exploration and job-seeking skills through a variety of activities and settings, utilizing a combination of teaching methods in the process. Classes will include an exploration of job-seeking skills and an introduction to each of MICC’s four certificate program industries: Culinary, Hospitality, Health Services, and Retail. Students will create a resume, a sample cover letter, participate in a mock interview, and develop a vocational plan for future employment goals. Additional topics include self-advocacy skills, workplace health and wellness and interpersonal skills.
Social Programming
Social skills classes and electives programming foster positive peer connections around common interests and hobbies. Social skills lessons will focus on social awareness, communication, self-regulation, self-awareness, and decision-making. These skills are discussed and put into practice in the hobby-based electives of their choosing.
Independent Living
Independent living skills curriculum will help students develop strategies for completing daily living tasks through a balance of independent and structured support. Holistic health classes will focus on topics such as healthy food choices, time management and organization. Additionally, staff will target an overall well-being with a balance of diet, fitness, personal hygiene, and stress management.
MICC strongly believes in taking a person-centered approach to our programming to help our students discover their full potential and to build a vibrant community. At the end of our Summer Program, participants and families receive a comprehensive report celebrating victories and providing insight on opportunities for growth.
New in 2021, we are excited to expand our age range to offer more participants the opportunity to gain independence skills. Our Summer Program this year is broken into two, separate weeks, each crafted specifically for young adults ages 16-18 and 18-23 to gain introductory independence skills.
This year’s Summer Program will be one-week of daily programming and does not include an overnight component as in previous years to ensure participant and staff safety. We provide participants with a taste of independence supported by our instructors. Our experienced and diverse staff come from a variety of backgrounds supporting health and wellness, social skills, and vocational experience.
Participants will:
- Gain and practice social skills.
- Practice general self and community safety skills.
- Explore a variety of industries through tours and speaking to professionals.
- Learn appropriate conversation topics in different settings.
- Be introduced to basic independent living skills, including cooking.
- Create lasting friendships.
Careers Experience
Students will be introduced to our Careers curriculum, connecting career exploration and job-seeking skills through a variety of activities and settings, utilizing a combination of teaching methods in the process. Classes will include an exploration of job-seeking skills and an introduction to each of MICC’s four certificate program industries: Culinary, Hospitality, Health Services, and Retail. Students will create a resume, a sample cover letter, participate in a mock interview, and develop a vocational plan for future employment goals. Additional topics include self-advocacy skills, workplace health and wellness and interpersonal skills.
Social Programming
Social skills classes and electives programming foster positive peer connections around common interests and hobbies. Social skills lessons will focus on social awareness, communication, self-regulation, self-awareness, and decision-making. These skills are discussed and put into practice in the hobby-based electives of their choosing.
Independent Living
Independent living skills curriculum will help students develop strategies for completing daily living tasks through a balance of independent and structured support. Holistic health classes will focus on topics such as healthy food choices, time management and organization. Additionally, staff will target an overall well-being with a balance of diet, fitness, personal hygiene, and stress management.
MICC strongly believes in taking a person-centered approach to our programming to help our students discover their full potential and to build a vibrant community. At the end of our Summer Program, participants and families receive a comprehensive report celebrating victories and providing insight on opportunities for growth.
Dates. Cost. Schedule.Session I: June 21-25 | Ages 18-23
As of 05/07/2021, Session I is currently full. Interested applicants may proceed with applying prior to the June 1 deadline to be placed on a waitlist. We cannot guarantee space will be available, and applicants will be notified of availability by June 4. Applicants on the waitlist would then be prioritized based on the date of full application completion. Session II: July 12-16 | Ages 16-18 As of 05/07/2021, Session II is open and space is available. Cost: $1250 per session, per student Cost includes curriculum and instruction, daily lunch, transportation during the program, and activities. Transportation to and from MICC campus is not included. Morning drop-off will be between 8-8:30 AM and afternoon pick-up will be between 4:30-5 PM, daily |
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Admissions Criteria.
Requirements include:
A successful candidate must…
- A diagnosed learning disability, executive dysfunction, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD/ADD, or other neurological condition. Most applicants will have a range of cognitive and processing abilities.
- No significant behavior or emotional dysregulation.
- Responds well to a structured and supported environment.
- Between the ages of 16-23 depending on session.
- A Full Scale IQ of 70 or above.
A successful candidate must…
- Be excited to be a part of MICC programming and have a general buy-in.
- Be able to make independent, safe decisions and not require 24-hour supervision. MICC is not a therapeutic or psychiatric program; and will not be a good fit for participants who experience significant emotional and behavioral challenges.
- Be developmentally ready to participate in a comprehensive apartment-living and community-based program. Applicant responds well to a structured and supported environment.
- Have evidence of their ability to navigate day-to-day activities (school, volunteering, work, etc.) without 1:1 support.
- Demonstrate emotional and behavioral stability sufficient to live independently, function socially, and participate fully in programming
Steps to Apply.
Our Admissions Department will continue to accept applications and work with prospective students and their families (virtually) through this time. Space is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis.
Step 1: Complete an application.
Step 2: Send materials.
Within two (2) business days of submitting the application, you will receive a link to a secure portal, FileInvite, to safely upload required documentation.
Step 3: Virtual interview.
Completed application and supplemental documents will be reviewed for candidacy, and applicants will receive an email from Office of Admissions to self-schedule a virtual interview lasting approximately 1.5 hours via Zoom.
Step 4: Determination.
Candidates will be notified via email of the Admissions Committee's decision within one-week of the virtual interview. Admitted students will receive instructions to join along with required enrollment forms.
Step 1: Complete an application.
- The 2021 Summer Program application is now open through June 1, 2021. Select "Enrollment Application" to apply after creating an account here: https://crm.bestnotes.com/portal/mnlife/
- Be sure to indicate "Summer Program" on the first dropdown question of the application.
- Pay the $100 application fee. Make an online payment or mail a check payable to MICC for the $100 application fee (please note applicant's name in the memo).
- Applications received by April 1, 2021 will have their application fee applied to the cost of Summer Program if accepted.
- Applications received by April 1, 2021 will have their application fee applied to the cost of Summer Program if accepted.
Step 2: Send materials.
Within two (2) business days of submitting the application, you will receive a link to a secure portal, FileInvite, to safely upload required documentation.
- Required:
- Copies of current/latest Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Evaluation Report, and/or Transition Plan.
- Two (2) recommendations from an educator, vocational, and/or professional contact.
- Optional:
- A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation completed in any of the following areas: 1) Cognitive Ability, 2) Academic Ability, 3) Adaptive Behaviors Skills, 4) Social/Emotional/Behavior Skills, and 5) Executive Functioning Skills. Refer to the Guidelines for Disability Documentation for more information.
- Educational transcripts.
- Health records.
- Vocational documents.
- Guardianship Information, if applicable.
Step 3: Virtual interview.
Completed application and supplemental documents will be reviewed for candidacy, and applicants will receive an email from Office of Admissions to self-schedule a virtual interview lasting approximately 1.5 hours via Zoom.
Step 4: Determination.
Candidates will be notified via email of the Admissions Committee's decision within one-week of the virtual interview. Admitted students will receive instructions to join along with required enrollment forms.
FAQ.
What type of supervision is provided?
Each student will be part of a small group led by an MICC Instructor. Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements and rules regarding their safety, anti-bullying, and anti-harassment.
What if I am unable to commute daily to MICC?
We recognize and understand that day programming will be limiting to families outside of the metro area and out of state. Typically, Summer Program has been an accessible option to help teens/young adults safely trial being away from home and experience independence within an apartment setting. This year, we want to return to providing a quality experiential, in-person experience, while also keeping participants and staff safe. For families able to do so, staying nearby with friends/family or securing hotel/rental accommodations is an option.
What can families and students expect to receive at the end of the program?
Students will receive an evaluation completed by MICC staff which addresses the progress they made in the areas of social, vocational, and independent living skills. This evaluation may also include suggestions of strategies and recommendations that students can utilize at home/school/work to further their skills. Students will also receive a certificate of completion and a copy of their vocational plan, healthy lifestyle plan, and an employment portfolio that includes a resume, a sample cover letter, references, and interview prep resources.
Each student will be part of a small group led by an MICC Instructor. Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements and rules regarding their safety, anti-bullying, and anti-harassment.
What if I am unable to commute daily to MICC?
We recognize and understand that day programming will be limiting to families outside of the metro area and out of state. Typically, Summer Program has been an accessible option to help teens/young adults safely trial being away from home and experience independence within an apartment setting. This year, we want to return to providing a quality experiential, in-person experience, while also keeping participants and staff safe. For families able to do so, staying nearby with friends/family or securing hotel/rental accommodations is an option.
What can families and students expect to receive at the end of the program?
Students will receive an evaluation completed by MICC staff which addresses the progress they made in the areas of social, vocational, and independent living skills. This evaluation may also include suggestions of strategies and recommendations that students can utilize at home/school/work to further their skills. Students will also receive a certificate of completion and a copy of their vocational plan, healthy lifestyle plan, and an employment portfolio that includes a resume, a sample cover letter, references, and interview prep resources.
