Program Information
Academics
Students in the REACH Program take two inclusive traditional College of Charleston courses and one REACH support course each semester.
Inclusive Traditional College of Charleston Courses
Every student enrolled is exposed to the course's full curriculum however, students in the REACH Program are responsible for learning a modified portion of the curriculum based on their individual functional levels.
Examples of traditional courses:
- Communications - Public Speaking
- Computer Science - Computer Fluency
- Education - Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- History - Pre-Modern History
- Hospitality & Tourism Management - Principles and Practices of Hospitality & Tourism Management
REACH Support Courses
REACH support courses are specialized sessions designed to provide essential support for success.
REACH support courses include:
- Transition to College of Charleston
- Writing Comprehension
- Introduction to Personal Finance
- Interpersonal Communication
- Community Engagement
- Advanced Personal Finance
- Career Exploration
- Now What? Preparing for Life After College
Campus Supports
Students in the REACH Program have access to campus supports, including:
- Tutors (assigned to each student)
- CSL (Center for Student Learning)
- Writing Lab
- Center for Disability Services (SNAP)
- Library
Areas of Concentration
Freshmen in the REACH Program take inclusive courses called Learning Communities that link two courses with an integrated theme. Learning Communities are a requirement for all College of Charleston freshmen.
Beginning sophomore year, students in the REACH Program are able to further explore their interests by choosing their classes.
At the end of sophomore year, students in the REACH Program are required to choose an Area of Concentration (similar to a major). All courses and internships taken thereafter will be related to their chosen concentration.
Socialization
Social and cultural opportunities define the typical college experience and allow for the development of social skills that are appropriate for college age people.
Mentors
Students in the REACH Program are assigned a Social Mentor and a Fitness Mentor to help them become socially integrated into the campus.
- Social Mentors - College of Charleston students who will help develop and enhance their social skills on campus.
- Fitness Mentors - College of Charleston students who share interests similar to each student and will help them access fitness and recreational activities both on campus and in the community.
Social Skills Training
The REACH Program provides direct instruction in social skills training for students needing extra support in interpersonal communication and appropriate behaviors (for internships, public settings, relationships, etc.), as needed. Social skills training is tailored for each student.
Social Activities and Clubs
Students in the REACH Program are able to participate in any social activities on campus with or without mentors, roommates, or friends.
Independent Living
The REACH Program provides direct instruction in those key elements of independent living that other students are able to "figure out" on their own.
Travel Training
- Campus Freedom - Students must complete the 50-Steps to Campus Freedom, a campus geographic awareness checklist, before they are able to leave the residence hall alone.
- Off-Campus Freedom - Students must complete Off-Campus Freedom before being able to leave the campus and walk to limited areas of downtown Charleston alone.
- Bus Training - Students must complete Off-Campus Freedom and Bus Freedom before being able to practice navigating the Charleston area with public transportation.
Personal Safety Groups
Students in the REACH Program participate in semester-long safety groups run by social workers. Topics include:
- Personal Safety
- Internet Safety
- Dating
Money & Time Management
The REACH staff begins teaching money management skills the beginning of sophomore year and continuously works with students to help them develop time management skills.
Assistive Technology
A representative from the University of South Carolina Center for Disability Resources' Assistive Technology Program meets with students in the REACH Program each semester to see if assistive technologies are available to help them become more independent.
Career Development
Students in the REACH Program take courses and have internships in their area of concentration in order to develop a skillset that will prepare them for real, viable employment after graduation.
Internships
Students in the REACH Program are placed in internships based on their interests and strengths beginning the second semester of freshman year. Internships are paid and are changed each semester to increase the student's employment skills, develop new areas of interest, and reinforce generalization of skills.
Program Completion Requirements
Successful culmination of the REACH Program includes the completion of the following coursework:
- Inclusive College of Charleston courses
- REACH support courses
- Planning Forums
- Seven semesters of professional development (internships)
- Annual Person-Centered Planning: PATH Plans
- Academic advisory sessions
- Educational groups
- Regularly scheduled appointments with tutors, mentors, and social engagements
Academic Standards
Students in the REACH Program are expected to show satisfactory academic progress in all aspects of the Program:
- Courses
- Sessions
- Internships
- Employment training