The students at STRIVE U work hard on the four main program areas of community living, employment, post-secondary education, and transition. Because of this, a motivated and hard working individual would make the best STRIVE U student. In addition to this, prospective students need to be between the ages of 18 – 25, meet the eligibility guidelines established by the Department of Health and Human Services for the State of Maine for mental retardation, be able to complete his/her own application working as independently as possible, have proven ability to learn and participate in classroom situations and professional work settings, and someone who will be able to live independently with minimal support at the end of the 2 year program.