Northwestern NEXT Campus Life & Learning for Students with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
What's next? For many 18- to 24-year olds, it's college or a college-like experience that serves as a transition to independent living, a job and adulthood. Through Northwestern NEXT, students with intellectual or developmental disabilities can participate in campus life and learning at Northwestern College. 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
The mission of the Northwestern NEXT program is to provide a personalized inclusive college experience for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a supportive Christian environment.
Northwestern NEXT is among just over 125 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 fill out the FAFSA and be eligible for federal financial aid.
