FIU Embrace Education

Students that complete the program are awarded a certificate of completion. Students also have an opportunity to earn industry-specific certification or digital certifications/badges in their area of specialization.The FIU Embrace Education program is a three-year, non-degree, certificate inclusive postsecondary transition program for students ages 18-28 with intellectual disabilities (ID).The primary goal of the program is to offer a comprehensive and integrated university-based education that is inclusive and accessible and promotes competitive integrated employment and independent living in the community.

All students are not required to live in the dorms. Students who are interested in participating in the residential program must complete and submit an application. Students are not eligible to live in the dorm unless they have successfully completed the first year of the program.

At this time, there is no FIU Embrace program, fee. However, students are responsible for tuitions, fees, books and supplies associated with the classes for which they are enrolled. The program has been approved by vocational rehabilitation (VR) and all applicants are strongly encouraged to open a case with VR and request funds to cover the cost of the tuition, fees, books and supplies. Penalty fees associated with late course registration and late fee payments are not covered by VR and will be the responsibility of the student and family.

All FIU Embrace Education students are registered with FIU's Disability Resource Center which provides academic accommodations to all FIU students with disabilities throughout their academic career. FIU Embrace students also receive additional supports through assigned peer, academic, social and faculty mentors. Students also have the support of Community Assistants while living in the dorms and receive continued support from the FIU Embrace program staff while enrolled in the program.

The FIU Embrace Education program is a liberal arts program and as such, students must complete twelve (12) classes: three (3) common core classes, as well as all classes in their area of specialization: hospitality, health and nutrition, digital communications, and technology. A certificate of completion will be issued by FIU's Continuing Education Department upon the successful completion of all components of the program and students can earn digital credentials/badges and industry certifications in their area of specialization.

The Applicant must express the desire and motivation to complete a postsecondary comprehensive transition program and the qualifications for entry into the FIU Embrace Education program include:

o A documented intellectual disability

o A completed application with all required documentation included.

o Proof that the applicant has exited high school (high school diploma/special diploma)

o Applicant must have the legal authority make his/her own decisions that would allow him/her to fully participate in the program.

o Applicant must be between the ages of 18 and 25 on admission to the program.

o Applicant must complete psychological and adaptive testing through FIU Embrace

o Applicant must not have any history of arrest or severe behavioral, sexual and emotional problems

o Applicant should have a 3rd grade reading level or demonstrate practical reading skills at the time of the interview

o Applicant must demonstrate the ability to function independently for a sustained period of time and require minimal supervision

o Applicant must be able to appropriately administer their own prescribed medication, without requiring prompting to do so

o Applicant must have the potential to be successful in competitive employment

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