STRIVE U Admissions

STRIVE U grants admission to students whose academic credentials, scholastic achievement, and personal motivation demonstrate a promise of success in its academic programs.

STRIVE U is a complete program not found anywhere else. STRIVE U is the only program in the nation for young adults with developmental disabilities that combines all four program areas of residential living, employment, transition, and post-secondary education. It is inclusive, comprehensive, and groundbreaking.

Students admitted to STRIVE U will meet the following requirements:

• Be 18 years of age by the year of admission and no older than 25 by the year of admission

• Must meet eligibility guidelines established by the Department of Health and Human Services for the State of Maine for intellectual disability:

  • Significantly sub-average intellectual functioning means a person scores 70 or below on a standard intelligence test.

  • Impairments in adaptive behavior means not being able to do things that most others of the same age do.

  • Manifested during the developmental period means occurring before age 22.

• Produce three letters of recommendation, one from a teacher, one from an employer, and one personal (excluding relatives).
• Student must be his/her own guardian by the start of the residential program.
• Be able to complete his/her own application working as independently as possible.
• Agree to participate in an interview process.
• Agree to actively participate in an independent living skills assessment and any other required assessments, and meet the criteria established by STRIVE U.
• Have completed their Individual Education Plan (IEP) under IDEA at a certified secondary school.
• Be able to provide STRIVE U with a high school transcript or equivalent.
• Received a High School Diploma, Certificate of Completion, or equivalent from a certified secondary school.
• Demonstrate an interest in possessing educational, employment, and life experiences that are necessary to attain substantial independence upon graduation from STRIVE U.
• Have a proved ability to learn and participate in classroom situations and professional work settings.
• Be willing to abide by all the rules and policies set forth by STRIVE U – available upon request
• Meet immunization requirements for STRIVE U
• Student and family must consent to being filmed, videotaped, interviewed and/or quoted in media and publications

Four Cornerstones of STRIVE U:

• Post-Secondary Education
• Competitive Employment
• Independent Living in the Community
• Transition

For more information, please contact Bill Hughes at (207) 774-6278 ext. 310 or email: bhughes@pslstrive.org