Project F.O.C.U.S.
We are 100% Inclusive, 100% Rebels
About Project F.O.C.U.S.
Project F.O.C.U.S. is a comprehensive post-secondary education program for Southern Nevada's adult college-aged students with intellectual/developmental disabilities, including young adults with autism. The program provides an inclusive, accessible, and productive career education program by incorporating evidence-based research and positive behavior supports that promote self-determination, community partnerships, and job readiness skills. Our goal is to prepare individuals with intellectual disabilities for competitive, paid employment and independent living in an inclusive community setting.
Goals
Participants of FOCUS will be able to participate in inclusive college courses based on their individual interests. These classes may pertain directly to their future career or they may be courses that can be taken as electives.
To support individualized academics, the project will:
- Use person-centered planning to design individualized programs of studies based on each individual’s interests, preferences, and needed supports.
- Use person-centered planning to develop an individualized program of study that is related to the employment goals of the FOCUS participant.
- Build interdisciplinary partnerships within the 51ԹϺ campus community that will support the individual interests of each FOCUS participant.
- Provide a certificate of completion that is recognized in the local community.
Similar to academics, participants of FOCUS will be provided with support to find and experience a career that is of interest.
To support inclusive employment, the project will:
- Develop individualized job training and self-advocacy skills for project participants to find meaningful and person-centered competitive employment in the community.
- Establish community and campus partnerships that will provide internships, employment opportunities or training, and/or competitive wages.
- Establish national, state, and local agency supports that can provide ongoing job coaching services if necessary.
- Provide scaffolds of support through FOCUS volunteers in order to develop independence of desired employment.
Independent living skills will be addressed during the duration of each student’s program. These skills will be based on each participant’s needs, will be planned accordingly, and will be taught in a natural and inclusive environment.
To support individualized independent living, the project will:
- Continue to develop age-appropriate academic, functional, and social skills by promoting self-determination skills through participation of inclusive academic and campus opportunities.
- Continue to informally develop functional independent living skills needed for each individual’s environment through person-centered planning.
- Continue to develop functional independent living skills through inclusive continuing education courses.
- Support components of independent living, as needed, through FOCUS volunteers and inclusive functional activities.
Announcements
Events
Admission
Interested in applying? Please call (702-895-1749) or email (focus@unlv.edu) us to set up a time to meet before beginning the application process so we can learn about the student's interests and needs, and students and their families can learn more about the program.
Once we've met with you, here's how to apply to the program. Please note that each year, applications will open on November 1 and are due by 4 p.m. on April 1.
- Gather/create the following documents:
- Documentation of intellectual/developmental disability
- A current or most recent Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Psychological evaluation or eligibility determination (completed within the last three years)
- If Applicable: Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
- Responses to short essay questions
- Personal video (e.g., applicant reading personal essay, performing an instrument, playing sports)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal
- Can be a family member other than a parent/guardian)
- Professional
- Must be from a non-relative
- Each letter must include:
- Applicant’s name, address, and phone number
- A description of the author’s relationship to the applicant and the length of the relationship
- Why the author feels the applicant would benefit from participating in this program
- A description of the applicant’s desire to learn using examples from relationships
- An explanation of the applicant’s support system (e.g., parents/guardians, family members, friends)
- Personal
- Additional writing samples (optional)
- Once the next application cycle opens on November 1:
- Complete the online
- Complete the application
- Please fill out each step of the application and upload each document when prompted.
- If you have issues uploading any items, you can also:
- Drop them off at our office (Carlson Education Building Room 115) during business hours
- Email them to focus@unlv.edu
- Mail them to:
- Project F.O.C.U.S. 4505 S. Maryland Parkway Box 453014 Las Vegas, NV 89154-3014
- Submit the (optional) scholarship application (a link will be available in the Fall);
- Our team will review the application and materials and contact the applicant via email to set up an interview date.
- We will send a notification letter via email and U.S. mail in early May.
- STAR Planning
- STAR Planning meetings will be scheduled via appointment calendar link. This link will be sent via email in May to all accepted students.
- We will meet in person with selected applicants before the start of the fall semester to discuss person-centered goals, also known as STAR planning and completing enrollment and registration in courses.
Cost Information
Like all college students, Project F.O.C.U.S. students at 51ԹϺ are responsible for tuition. Tuition varies based on the number of credits a student takes and fees associated with courses.
| Tuition per semester* | $2,000-$3,000 |
|---|---|
| FOCUS program fee* | $3,450 |
| Total cost per semester* | $5,450-$6,450 |
**Total fees are projections and actual costs may vary and are subject to change.
Project F.O.C.U.S. at a Glance
Support Project F.O.C.U.S.
Volunteer
In order to support our students, FOCUS is always looking for volunteers. Our volunteers play an integral part in the FOCUS program because they provide students with even more inclusive opportunities to socialize and interact with the 51ԹϺ community. Volunteers will help to create positive experiences for FOCUS students through hanging out around campus and attending various social events. This experience is recommended for all those interested in working with students with disabilities, but particularly those currently enrolled in related service programs.
If you’d like to become a volunteer, please fill out the application below.
Donate
Your donations help to make post-secondary education possible for our young adults with autism and intellectual disability.
If you would like to donate online, please follow these simple steps:
- Go to the 51ԹϺ Foundation website (link below)
- Under “Designation” select PROJECT FOCUS from the drop-down list.
- Enter the amount and payment information
- Click “Donate Now”
Contact Us
Project F.O.C.U.S.
4505 S. Maryland Parkway Box 453014
Las Vegas, NV 89154-3014
CEB 115
Phone: 702-895-1749
Email: focus@unlv.edu
Partners
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