Demonstrate skills in math, reading and writing, and have the necessary critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to make responsible personal, community and career decisions.
Northwestern NEXT
Northwestern NEXT
Northwestern NEXT
Ready for what's next.
Ready for what's next.
Ready for what's next.
Northwestern NEXT gives students with intellectual or developmental disabilities a true college experience—living in residence halls, taking classes and joining campus life. Our two-year program builds independence, supports relational growth and prepares students for life ahead.
Our mission
Our mission
Our mission
For many 18- to 24-year olds, college or a college-like experience serves as a transition to independent living, a job and adulthood. Northwestern NEXT provides a personalized, inclusive college experience for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities within a supportive Christian environment. Our two-year program offers students with disabilities the opportunity to:
- Live in a college residence hall with a specially selected roommate/peer mentor
- Participate in campus activities and social events with same-aged peers
- Take specialized classes in life skills, including practical academics, independent living, social competence, interpersonal relationships and career readiness
- Audit up to 9 credits per semester of pre-approved courses from the college catalog
CONTACT
John MenningNorthwestern NEXT Coordinator
Program goals
Students will take classes with customized goals and objectives, along with some audited college catalog courses. Classes will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis. NEXT program graduates will receive a certificate when they achieve competency in the following areas:
Independent living
Manage personal care and daily living needs independently, and use interpersonal skills to participate confidently in social settings.
Health + wellness
Understand the importance of health and wellness and make informed decisions about diet, physical activity, relationships and sexuality.
Career readiness
Identify career interests and strengths through classes, internships and volunteer opportunities, and apply job skills such as resume writing and interviewing.
Start your NEXT journey
Northwestern NEXT is among just over 165 programs recognized as comprehensive transition programs (CTP) by the U.S. Department of Education. This indicates Northwestern NEXT meets standards of excellence, and it enables students to file the FAFSA and be eligible for federal financial aid.
Classes
Northwestern NEXT classes will equip students to thrive as independent adults, empowering them to try new things, learn essential life skills and contribute to their communities.
Semester 1
- NXT 011 Life Skills: Assessment and Training for Daily Living (2 credits)
- NXT 012 Career Readiness, Assessment and Exploration (2 credits)
- NXT 013 Recreation, Leisure and Fitness (2 credits)
- NXT 014 Positive Choices: Understanding Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (1 credit)
- Approved audit electives from the undergraduate curriculum (up to 9 credits)
Semester 2
- NXT 021 Life Skills: Communication, Self-determination and Advocacy (2 credits)
- NXT 022 Career Management and Attainment (2 credits)
- NXT 023 Health and Wellness (2 credits)
- NXT 024 Positive Choices: Understanding Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (1 credit)
- Approved audit electives from the undergraduate curriculum (up to 9 credits)
Semester 3
- NXT 031 Life Skills: Social/Community Awareness and Responsibility (2 credits)
- NXT 032 Employment Internship (2 credits)
- NXT 033 Wellness and Safety (2 credits)
- NXT 034 Positive Choices: Understanding Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (1 credit)
- Approved audit electives from the undergraduate curriculum (up to 9 credits)
Semester 4
- NXT 041 Life Management: Independent Living (2 credits)
- NXT 042 Employment Internship II (2 credits)
- NXT 043 Wellness: Fitness for Life (2 credits)
- NXT 044 Positive Choices: Understanding Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (1 credit)
- Approved audit electives from the undergraduate curriculum (up to 9 credits)
Encouraged to thrive
Ashley is taking classes, living in a dorm and participating in many student activities as part of Northwestern NEXT.
Ashley's story
