Commonly asked questions and the answers about STRIVE U

Do students have to be their own guardian?
In order to fully participate in the STRIVE U experience, students must be their own guardians.  However, parents and/or guardians can be co-medical guardians.  Students can apply to the program while under guardianship, but need to be their own guardian at the time of moving onto campus.

Who would make a good STRIVE U student?
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.

More Questions. . .
How is the program staffed?
What types of jobs do the students have?
How much is tuition and what does it include?
How are roommates selected?
Where do the students eat?
What should students bring to STRIVE U when they move in?
Where do students do their laundry?
What happens if a student is sick?
What about safety?
Can students go places alone?
Can students participate in USM activities?
How do students get to work, classes, or around the city?
How can the students keep in touch with their families and friends?
Can students have a pet?
Can students go home?
What are some things students can do in Portland?