READY TO BELONG: INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF A RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE PREVIEW PROGRAM ON THE CAREER AND COLLEGE READINESS OF STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITES

Abstract

The primary theme of this dissertation investigates the impact of belonging within a residential pre-college program (e.g.. summer bridge, summer institute, college preview camp program) on the career and college readiness (CCR) of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The program was part of a collaborative initiative between thestate's Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and the university's inclusive post-secondary education program, serving students under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Data was originally collected as part of a broader program evaluation using a mixed methods format, it is presented here as three separate mini studies, each in its own manuscript.Manuscript 1 employs an inclusive qualitative design using photovoice, where students with IDD, acting as co-researchers, construct definitions of belonging and use evening reflections to consider the camp's impact on the way they think, feel, and believe about their future. Manuscript 2 uses a pre-post survey design to explore the camp’s impact on students' perceptions of their career and college readiness, as well as their sense of belonging. Manuscript 3 presents parental perceptions of the camp’s impact on their children’s career and college readiness. Findings demonstrate the programs’ ability to positively impact CCR in students with IDD, the dynamic and individualized nature of belonging within pre-college programs and hope as common variable in parents of program attenders