STRIVE Program
Vocational Training
Skilled Training Rewarding Independence and Vocational Education (STRIVE)
Program Description
The STRIVE Program provides adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities post-secondary instruction to facilitate joining the workforce or furthering their education. By exploring each student’s individual strengths and interests, we provide educational enrichment and pre-employment training skills designed to increase student’s independence and lead to employment.
Unique Experiences
While enrolled in the STRIVE Program, students engage in both on and off-campus learning experiences. In addition to classroom curriculum, the STRIVE Program participates with other departments in hands-on training and co-op experiences to develop skills that will assist students in gaining employment. In addition, students have the support of a job coach through the application, interview and job training process.
Admission Requirements
- Complete and submit the program Admission Application
- Interview with program coordinator
- At least 3rd grade reading level and/or compensatory comprehension skills
- Basic math understanding and ability to use a calculator
- Ability to function independently for a period of time
- Can follow directions, accepts authority; no severe behavior or emotional problems
- Can handle and adapt to change; not overly stressed
- Ability to be successful in competitive employment situations
- Desire and motivation to complete a post-secondary program
- Minimum 18 years of age at the start of the program
- Must have work and/or volunteer experience
- Must have access to dependable transportation
Program Investment
A cost of $5,800, plus fees.
STRIVE Program Overview
Communication Skills for the Workplace (CECOMG 1003): This course addresses essential listening, speaking, reading, writing and computational skills.
Career Exploration and Planning (CEPOFT 1000): An Introductory course in career exploration, educational planning, and job searching.
Basic Safety and Health (CEOSHT 1000): This course identifies common hazards and corrective actions in the workplace; and incorporates job safety analysis and appropriate training.
Professional Workforce Prep (CEPOFT 1013): This course is designed to prepare students for career success including ethics, interpersonal relations, professional attire and hire ability.
Intro to Customer Service (CEBUSG 1005): This course introduces students to the process of providing customer service to a diverse customer base. Upon completion, the student should be able to describe the different types of customers; identify customer needs; and determine strategies to provide quality customer service.
Occupational Math (CETECM 1013): The students will be introduced to math skills applicable to business and industry for successful on-the-job performance.
Intro to Business Ethics (CECOMG1040): Students will practice their strategies of business practices in workplace experiences.
Enhancing Workplace Communication (CECOMG 1004): Focuses on the principles of communication to facilitate sending and receiving various forms of written and spoken communication in the workplace.
Summer Enrichment Courses
STEM: Thursdays 8:30am-10:30am June 5 –July 24 $240
Through hands-on experiments, students discover the how's and whys of various science concepts. Robot building and basic computer programming concepts are also taught through an interactive, high interest program module
Strength & Fitness: Thursdays 1:30pm-2:30pm June 5 – July 24 $100
Let’s get our hearts pumping with a variety of fun and interactive workouts. Learn strength and conditioning techniques to keep your energy level high and your stress level low.
Screen-Free Gaming Club: Thursdays 11:00am-1:00pm June 5 – July 24 $200
Let’s play! Learn to play board and card games that do not require the internet or screen time. This is a great class to practice social skills, communication skills and learn games that are engaging, challenging and fun.
Beginner Watercolor: Tuesdays 9:00am-11:00am June 3 – July 22 $240
Discover the world of watercolor. Familiarize yourself with watercolor basics, learn beginner techniques and tap into your creativity.
Healthy Cooking: Mon & Wed 1:00pm-3:00pm June 2 – June 25 $240
Learning to budget and prepare simple, healthy meals is a great way to develop greater independence. Students will obtain a TX Food Handler Certificate and learn the basics of safely navigating a kitchen.
Beginner Sewing: Tuesdays 12pm-2pm June 3 – July 22 $240
Using a sewing machine and hand sewing tools, students will learn basic sewing and mending techniques. All acquired skills will be practiced and then applied to creating a project.
To enroll in these courses:
- Visit Instant Enrollment
- Select "STRIVE Students Only" under "Topic Code."
- Find course of choice (listed by Course Name below)
- Complete purchase as prompted