RAISE Program
The Raising Aspirations through an Inclusive Student Experience (RAISE) program is an inclusive post-secondary course of study for young adults with disabilities ages 18-24 that offers a unique opportunity to gain additional skills for employment, higher education, and independent living.
RAISE at RVC
RAISE is a one-year, two-semester program that allows students to participate in an inclusive college experience. Students participate in a course of study that includes career readiness, college prep, and life-skills-focused coursework. The program has a strong emphasis on social inclusion. This is accomplished through the engagement of participants with same-age peers and the general campus community through a combination of coursework, activities, and social opportunities.
RAISE creates pathways for students to achieve life and career success through the development of educational, personal, and vocational skills while fostering personal growth and social engagement within the campus community.
The specific objectives of RAISE are to provide students with:
- An enriched collegiate experience
- An interactive and inclusive environment
- Learning activities that transfer to lifelong independent living skills
- Work ethics necessary for gainful employment
- Self-respect and knowledge of individual strengths
- Empowerment through education
Contact Us
- Disability Support Services
- (815) 921-2371
- RVC-DisabilityServices@rockvalleycollege.edu
About the Program
Program Eligibility
To be considered for RAISE, students must meet all of the following criteria.
Please note: Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission. Admission is based on a variety of factors, including the student's preparedness and goals.
- Be between the ages of 18-24
- Have a documented intellectual or developmental disability
- Have a history of receiving special education services
- Be motivated and interested in setting and attaining educational and/or career goals
- Be able to demonstrate learning independently through assignments, discussions, and tests - sufficient handwriting and typing skills are required
- Be able to understand and follow the RAISE and Rock Valley College Codes of Conduct
- Be able to manage all self-care needs and be able to independently manage and self-administer medicine if required
- Be able to independently navigate the campus including to and from class, between college buildings, and to and from transportation and student events
- Be able to independently and effectively communicate with college staff, faculty and peers
- Maintain appropriate hygiene
- Have sufficient emotional regulation skills to participate in and adjust to all aspects of the program
- Be able to interact respectfully with peers and instructors and take direction from staff
- Demonstrate the maturity and self-sufficiency needed to participate in the college environment
- Be able to stay in class and focus for up to two hours at a time
- Have a stable, outside support system and reliable housing
- Display a strong work ethic and willingness to challenge themselves
- Understand the four basic math functions and know how to use a calculator
- Be able to read independently at least a 3rd grade level (students with at least a 5th grade independent reading level may be more successful in the program)
IMPORTANT: To qualify for RAISE, it’s vital that students possess the emotional maturity and regulation required to participate in a college program and navigate campus as a college student.
Course of Study
Students enrolled in the RAISE Program will complete four courses. Students must be motivated and want to work or attend college, as this program is to prepare individuals for gainful employment and/or a successful transition to college. To complete the program requirements and obtain a RAISE Certificate of Achievement, students must satisfactorily complete Financial Literacy, Planning for College and Career Success, Personal Empowerment, and Technology for College and Beyond.
The RAISE certificate program consists of four classes that emphasize building skills that are essential for student success. These courses teach students how to self-advocate for themselves, how to work toward their goals, how to be self-sufficient, and how to build the soft skills that are crucial for employment success. The RAISE Program includes the following classes:
- STU-015 – Personal Empowerment
- STU-017 – Planning for College and Career Success
- FIN-015 – Financial Literacy
- CIS-015 – Technology for College and Beyond
All RAISE classes are offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings during the fall and spring semesters during the time periods of 9-10:15 AM and 10:30-11:45 AM.
The RAISE Program is a one-year (two semester) program.
As the student progresses through the program, they will be awarded the following:
- Individual certificates of completion for each course successfully completed
- A RAISE Certificate of Achievement (granted upon successful completion of all program requirements)
This certificate does not offer higher education credits towards a college degree.
How to Apply
Prospective students must contact the RAISE Program to begin the application process.
Please note: RAISE has its own application process, separate from the Rock Valley College application. There's no need to complete the RVC application to apply for RAISE.
Application Due Dates:
- March 15 for fall semester
- October 15 for spring semester
For more information contact RAISE at (815) 921-2371 or RVC-DisabilitySupport@RockValleyCollege.edu.
Program Cost & Funding
Tuition for RAISE courses is $300 per class, which typically includes all instructional materials.
Students are eligible to apply for scholarships through the Rock Valley College Foundation.
Support Services
Rock Valley College students have access to a variety of academic support services, from tutoring to personal success and counseling.