SMCC to offer programming for young adults with intellectual disabilities

Aerial winter photo of SMCC campus in South Portland

Photo / David Pratt Southern Maine Community College, whose South Portland campus is shown here, has teamed up with a local nonprofit to offer programming for young adults ages 18-25 with intellectual disabilities.

Write a Comment

By Staff

Southern Maine Community College is teaming up with a South Portland-based nonprofit to offer programming for young adults with intellectual disabilities.

The initiative aims to provide vital job skills for 14 students ages 18-25 in STRIVE U, a program of PSL Services/STRIVE that helps young adults live independently with employment training and other practical help.

Under the agreement with SMCC, participating STRIVE U students will take part in orientation sessions at SMCC this summer to introduce them to college life and make them feel at home on campus. Those will be followed two courses if each of the fall and spring semesters covering professionalism, Microsoft applications, customer service and interpersonal skills.

“SMCC is proud to enter into this agreement to teach STRIVE U students skills that will open up employment opportunities and help them live independently,” said SMCC President Joe Cassidy in a news release. He added that the school "is committed to student success, whether they are earning a degree, undergoing workforce training or taking part in customized programs such as this.”

PSL Services/STRIVE Executive Director Lori Sanville is equally enthusiastic about bringing the STRIVE U Program to SMCC’s South Portland campus.

“The combination of courses, co-curricular activities, involvement in student life and many other opportunities make this a tremendous match for our program,” she said. “We have been very impressed by SMCC’s administration for their creativity and desire to make this happen and work for all involved. We’re excited to get started.”

Students participating in the new program will be issued SMCC identification cards and free bus passes, and will be invited to participate in SMCC’s graduation ceremony in May. SMCC will provide a part-time coordinator to oversee the program.

About Southern Maine Community College

Southern Maine Community College is Maine’s largest and oldest community college. Founded in 1946, it offers courses at its South Portland and Brunswick campuses, at community satellite locations and online.

About PSL Services/STRIVE

PSL Services/STRIVE (which stands for Socialization, Transition, Reflection, Innovation, Vocation and Education) is a nonprofit organization based in South Portland that helps young people from age 11-25 with intellectual disabilities. The agency has an annual budget of $6.7 million for all programs, including the STRIVE U program, for which the next application deadline is Feb. 1.