SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Evangel University and Achieve of Southwest Missouri will host an Open House on Monday, March 9, for prospective students and families to learn about their unique program for individuals with disabilities. Registration opens at 5:30 p.m.
Achieve of Southwest Missouri is a comprehensive transition program designed to empower those with disabilities, ages 18-25, to succeed in life after high school.
Evangel and Achieve launched their partnership last fall to provide training space, peer mentorship, hands-on career exploration, and community connections to local youth with disabilities.
The Open House will be in the Riggs Administration Building, which faces 1111 N. Glenstone Ave., by the flagpole.
Guests can register in advance here, or on Facebook at: Achieve SWMO
Open House Schedule
5:30 – 6:00 p.m. — Registration
6:00 – 6:30 p.m. — Detailed Program Description
6:30 – 7:00 p.m. — Q&A and Campus Tour
The need
The partnership is facilitated through EU’s Education Department, led by chair Dr. Shonna Crawford.
Missouri has a 66% unemployment rate for individuals of all disabilities, and that rate has stayed relatively the same over the past 10 years, according to Lynn Neidigh, Achieve board president.
“Individuals with disabilities and their families struggle to find appropriate post-secondary options that meet their unique needs and that will help build skills to launch these young adults into success,” she said.
According to Think College, more than 5,000 students with intellectual disabilities are attending college in the United States. Persons in inclusive higher education saw a 135% increase in employment, compared to their peers.
About Achieve and EU
Achieve provides classroom instruction and experiential learning opportunities in life management, career exploration and self-determination.
Students will participate in 600 instructional classroom training hours, connect with current Evangel students for peer mentorship, and participate in job exploration via on-campus volunteer opportunities.
“The welcoming campus community at Evangel University, high caliber facilities, and community connections will allow our Achieve students to build independence in a supportive environment as they gain the necessary skills and resources to be successful,” said Neidigh.
Evangel University is a comprehensive Christian university committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the church and society globally.
Evangel serves more than 2,300 students from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, offering 70 undergraduate majors and 19 master’s and doctoral degrees.
For more information about Evangel University, visit evangel.edu.
For more information about Achieve, visit achieveswmo.com.
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