Greensboro, NC, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) has selected Monarch as its community partner of choice to provide support services to students enrolled in the Beyond Academics Comprehensive Transition Program. The Integrative Community Studies (ICS) program was the first post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in North Carolina, with its inaugural class graduating in 2007.
Created by UNCG Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement Dr. Terri L. Shelton in 2007, Beyond Academics provides a post-secondary education option to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students enrolled in the Beyond Academics program at UNCG receive a four-year certificate of completion in Integrative Community Studies (ICS) from the Office of the Provost and job training that prepares them for 21st-century jobs, independent living, and engaging in civic and social activity – a comprehensive skill set that trains young adults and puts them in positions to become active contributors to the communities in which they live.
"As we enter into the next decade of accessible excellence in providing post-secondary education for individuals with I/DD, UNCG is pleased to begin this partnership with Monarch," said Dr. Terri Shelton. "The provision of support services for Beyond Academics is an essential part of the academic programming that provides a unique opportunity for students to apply the skills acquired in the certificate program. We can think of no better partner in moving this important initiative forward."
The partnership will allow Monarch’s existing experience in support services around the state to help students in the ICS program advance their opportunities to live independently. Support services offered to students will include:
- Community Living: teaching and assisting with daily living skills, community participation, interpersonal skills, personal health, wellness and safety
- Student-life: navigating campus life, linking to campus activities and developing life profiles
- Employment: pre-job training, coaching while on the job and determining a career path
- Post-Graduation: continued guidance for life transitions related to community living, employment and self-determination
“At Monarch, we are elated to be the chosen partner to offer support to students enrolled in the Beyond Academics program at UNCG. We will do whatever necessary to make this a smooth transition for students currently enrolled,” said Monarch President and CEO Dr. Peggy Terhune, who is a UNCG graduate. “As a long-time, statewide provider of services for people with disabilities, our staff is both qualified and dedicated to the continuation of this dynamic program. We will assist students with the pursuit of their academic achievements while we also help them to proactively explore their interests outside of the classroom. As we continue support for Beyond Academics in this more expansive role, we remain committed to the successful future of this important program.”
About The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a high-research activity university as classified by the Carnegie Foundation. Founded in 1891 and one of the original three UNC system institutions, UNCG is one of the most diverse universities in the state with more than 20,000 students and 2,500 faculty and staff members representing more than 90 nationalities. With 86 undergraduate degrees in over 100 areas of study, as well as 52 master’s and 28 doctoral programs, UNCG is consistently recognized nationally among the top universities for academic excellence and value, with noted strengths in education, health and wellness, the performing arts, business and the arts and sciences, among others. For additional information on UNCG, visit www.uncg.edu; for more on Beyond Academics, please visit beyondacademics.uncg.edu and follow UNCG on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Monarch
Established in 1958, Monarch is a not-for-profit organization that provides support statewide to approximately 32,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness and substance use disorders. The company has earned Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation with Distinction by The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) – and is among a small and elite group worldwide to receive this designation. Monarch is certified by The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services as a Critical Access Behavioral Health Agency (CABHA) and operates The Arc of Stanly County, which is a chapter of The Arc of North Carolina and The Arc of the United States. To learn more about how Monarch provides support, please call (866) 272-7826 or visit www.MonarchNC.org.
Media contact: Natasha A. Suber, (704) 986-1582 or natasha.suber@monarchnc.org
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8fb75df8-8e6a-40f7-ab62-548b09c18672
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/56a00d92-b0ce-4e07-bb34-9f78f499eff9