Navigator PREP Brochure

A PROGRAM OF BEACON COLLEGE

“I knew what to expect. I didn’t feel left out. I was ready.”

THE FIRST AND ONLY VIRTUAL TRANSITION-TO-COLLEGE PROGRAM OF ITS KIND FOR STUDENTS WHO LEARN DIFFERENTLY AND THEIR FAMILIES

ABOUT BEACON: Founded in 1989, Florida’s Beacon College was the first institution of higher education in the nation to offer baccalaureate degrees for students who learn differently.

A PROGRAM OF BEACON COLLEGE

THE GOOD NEWS: More than ever before, students who learn differently are applying to and enrolling at four- year colleges and universities. And to support their retention and academic success, more schools now offer students greater services and accommodations. AND YET: According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, fewer than 1 in 3 students who would most benefit from support services in college do not use them. Students who learn differently frequently struggle outside the classroom, too, finding it challenging to fit in, make friends, and manage the freedom and new structure of college life. As a result, fewer than 35% of students who learn differently currently graduate from college — not just in four, but in eight years.

ARMED WITH SELF-KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICAL SKILLS PREPARATION — AND WITH THE SUPPORT AND ENGAGEMENT OF THEIR FAMILIES — STUDENTS WHO LEARN DIFFERENTLY CAN SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITION TO COLLEGE. THAT’S THE GOAL OF NAVIGATOR PREP.

FEATURING UP TO 9 MONTHS OF TRANSITION PROGRAMMING FOR HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE-BOUND SENIORS AND TRANSFER STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES

VIRTUAL COLLEGE TRANSITION PROGRAM

Since 2018, Navigator PREP’s virtual program has been preparing capable and talented students who learn differently for the realities of college. Our family-based approach engages both students and their parents. Together, they develop critical self-knowledge, insights and practical skills needed to successfully transition to a college environment.

Who Should Attend Navigator PREP? Few students graduate from high school with the level of independence and self-sufficiency needed to navigate the new environments, academic demands and social changes of college. For students who learn differently, the journey to college is often filled with anxiety, fears and questions. For some, these issues can be so overwhelming that it threatens their ability to complete their enrollment plans. For others, it dominates their critical first weeks of college. Navigator PREP is open to students preparing to begin studies at any college or university. Its curriculum is ideal for individuals who: • Have a learning difference (AD/HD, dyslexia, processing disorders) • Are on the autism spectrum or have social communication/pragmatic issues • Currently have difficulties managing course loads, especially in the areas of time management, planning, organization and prioritizing • Will attend a college far away from home or lose a significant part of their support system • Want to better manage their mental health (such as anxiety or depression) • Feel they would benefit from earlier preparation for college so they can better understand how to navigate campus life, support services, and academic affairs • Participate in non-traditional transition programming, such as an independent living skills program, vocational program or post-graduate gap year

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING SERIES Navigator PREP’s simulation experience introduces students and parents to both the realities and opportunities of the college accommodation process, which differ markedly from the familiar services provided in high school.

Students planning to enroll at Beacon

College will participate in an expanded Beacon- specific track that prepares them life and learning at Beacon College.

A HIGHLY PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE

The personal progress of each student is charted and evaluated throughout Navigator PREP. Each individual session is objectively documented and summarized in a report by the transition counselor, noting student engagement, what skills were worked on, student reaction to the intervention, and future assignments. Navigator PREP’s participation rubric identifies key areas for future action — from preparedness, understanding and social communication to emotional and attentional regulation. These resources allow Navigator PREP to continually assess each student’s specific needs

Our Staff Navigator PREP is part of the Beacon College Transition Center. Many of the Center’s initiatives focus on reducing unnecessary attrition in college through short-term intervention programs. Our transition counselors hold advanced degrees in higher education, mental health or counseling, or are certified in education or special education. They bring years of experience working with students who learn differently, applying those insights to each student’s Navigator PREP plan. Should students demonstrate the need for added services in such areas as mental health or executive functioning, Navigator PREP will help parents and students identify appropriate college-based and community-based resources. and areas for improvement, then make adjustments to the learning experience to address those needs. At the program’s conclusion, students and families receive a final transition evaluation that summarizes strengths and weaknesses, and offers recommendation for next steps regarding college readiness and the transition process.

How Navigator PREP Works Just as math, reading and writing are critical skills for college success, non- academic skills — such as social integration, executive function and emotional regulation — are equally key to student performance. Navigator PREP works with each student to identify where he or she is in terms of college readiness to create a strategy unique to that individual. Our staff also recognizes the important role of the family in the transition process. To begin, a Navigator PREP Transition Questionnaire is completed by each student, his or her parents, and a selected teacher who knows and works with the student. This multi-perspective assessment provides an overview of how students see their performance across various skills in comparison to their support system. It provides the foundation to create realistic goals and a differentiated curriculum for each family. Navigator PREP utilizes evidence-based methodologies to deliver a skills-based curriculum, including the following areas: • Psychoeducation • Cognitive Behavioral • Social Learning • Executive Functioning Coaching • Family Systems • Emotional Regulation Skills

GET A HEAD START

High school juniors — and their parents — can gain a competitive edge in the college search and transition process with our Navigator PREP Jr. program. For more information, email NavigatorPrep@BeaconCollege.edu.

Multiple Points of Engagement The curriculum — available in 3-, 6- or 9-month modules — combines individual and group-based instruction to deliver a highly personalized and specific plan of action. Designed to accommodate the demanding schedule of a high school senior, Navigator PREP requires a commitment of about 90 minutes a week.

Students engage in one-to- one meetings and interactive group seminars with their personal Navigator PREP transition counselor

Assignments outside the program offer students and parents the opportunity to practice and implement the skills they learn

Parents also engage in one-to-one meetings with their family’s Navigator PREP transition counselor

Separate student and parent group webinars featuring educational experts on meaningful topics

A monthly newsletter covers a wide range of interest areas related to college transition

TO LEARN MORE: For costs, upcoming program sessions, and to attend an information session, contact Navigator PREP at: 352-638-9777 or NavigatorPrep@BeaconCollege.edu BeaconCollege.edu/NavigatorPrep

Through group meetings, directories and social media, Navigator PREP also creates social networks that link students and parents to their peers around the country. Together, students and parents learn how to connect to a college and its students — and how to maximize the resources and support of faculty and staff.

A SAMPLING OF WHERE OUR STUDENTS APPLY AND ENROLL

WHAT OTHERS SAY

“Navigator PREP not only helped prepare my son for college, it helped him manage his senior year! As parents, it was eye-opening to learn about his executive functioning skills and work with him on his emotional regulation. This is a valuable resource for both students and parents.” NAVIGATOR PREP PARENT “The overall experience I had was extremely beneficial and helpful. It taught me skills and helped instill confidence about transitioning to college.” NAVIGATOR PREP STUDENT “Navigator PREP is the best program out there when it comes to helping students with the transition to college. The program is both universal and personalized at the same time. The topics covered are ones that every single student has to deal with when entering post- secondary school, but they provide support tailored to each student’s specific path.” COLLEGE COUNSELOR “Our students thrive when given the opportunity of individualized support and Navigator PREP is the perfect complement to their senior-year goals. From the tech-based environment to parental involvement, this program provides the support our seniors need for college success.” NAVIGATOR PREP HIGH SCHOOL PARTNER “This was the most helpful high school-to-college transition program I’ve ever encountered. The transition counselor’s summary of my daughter was accurate and insightful, with specific personalized recommendations that will help.” NAVIGATOR PREP PARENT

Hofstra University • NY Kent State University • OH Landmark College • VT

Adelphi University • NY Allegheny College • PA American University • DC

Lynn University • FL Mansfield Hall • VT

Austin College • TX Barry University • FL Catholic University • DC College Living Experience • Nationwide College of Charleston • SC Community College of Baltimore • MD Curry College • MA Davis & Elkins College • WV Dean College • MA

Marshall College • WV McDaniel College • WV Mitchell College • CT Northeastern University • MA The Ohio State University Oklahoma State University Pace University • NY University of Alabama University of Arizona University of Connecticut University of Denver • CO University of Oregon University of the Ozarks • AR University of Memphis • TN University of Vermont University of Wisconsin Villanova University • PA Virginia Wesleyan University • VA Pennsylvania State University • PA Rochester Institute of Technology • NY

DePaul University • IL Drexel University • PA

Franklin Pierce University • NH George Mason University • VA

Goucher College • MD Hartwick College • NY

“Navigator PREP engages students and parents in identifying goals and creating action plans to smooth the road to whichever college they choose to attend. It demystifies the transition to college and prepares students for their journey ahead.” DIRECTOR OF TRANSITION SERVICES

NEARLY 75% of all students planning to enroll at Beacon College participate in Navigator PREP. NAVIGATOR PREP STUDENTS who enroll at Beacon College have demonstrated measurable improvements in self- advocacy, campus engagement, academic performance and retention.

A PROGRAM OF BEACON COLLEGE

105 East Main Street Leesburg, Florida 34748 Toll-Free: 855-220-5376