A practical degree. Unlike any other program in the nation, Occupational & Life Skills (OLS) is a part-time, 90 credit associate degree program for adults with learning disabilities. Students identify and develop a career pathway, grow interpersonal skills, and gain marketable, workplace ready skills interning with local businesses aligned to their career goals. In the last eight years, 85% of our graduates are employed and 30% enjoy upward career mobility.
Skills for work. OLS creates a guided career pathway for graduating students to become gainfully employed, contributing citizens. The program is specific to their self-identified skills, strengths, and passions, and prepares them for the workforce through courses such as Workplace Readiness, Computer Application in the Workplace, Customer Service, Communication and Career Exploration. In the fourth year, an internship of 200 hours related to that career pathway is completed. Some internships translate into jobs and most students are gainfully employed within three months of graduation. Our goal is to help students attain marketable skills for a successful work life.
Skills for life. During our program, students grow interpersonal skills and take steps toward greater independence. Courses in Personal Finance, Cultural Awareness, Nutrition, and Social Change in America help make that possible. The confidence they gain at OLS, both onsite and in the community, help students self-advocate and mature so they can become productive community members.
Program Overview
- Earn an associate degree in Occupational & Life Skills (AOLS)
- A part-time, four-year program with no classes during summer quarters
- 200 hour internship in fourth year
- Two cohorts of students are admitted each fall quarter
- Small class sizes of 12-14 students
- Early application deadline is April 1st and final deadline is July 1st
- State and federal needs-based financial aid is available
OLS Students May Have a Diagnosis of:
- Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities (NVLD)
- Auditory and/or Language Processing Disorder
- ADHD or ADD
- Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and/or Dyspraxia
- Executive Functioning Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
Last Updated March 22, 2017
