PASSAGE USA

PASSAGE USA, (Preparing All Students Socially and Academically for Gainful Employment) is a postsecondary, non-degree, certificate program. This program is designed for students with intellectual disabilities, who need extra supports to be successful in our community.

Through person-centered planning, we help students define their goals for their future. These goals are turned into an individualized Adult Education Plan (AEP) in which we target the skills they need to achieve their goals. These skills include independent living, social, employment, and self-determination skills.

Students in the program will be full university campus members, which includes:

Access to campus recreation
Academic inclusion in classes
Inclusion in campus social activities

Students attend elective classes with other USA students, as well as, attend specialized classes that target the skills they need to achieve their goals. They participate in a work internship each semester. Peer Mentors (other USA students) act as natural supports on and off campus to help foster independence and learning.

Now accepting applications for Fall 2025. Click THIS LINK or request an application from passageusa@southalabama.edu today!

What if every young adult with intellectual disability in the United States saw college as an option? Watch this video to learn more!

PASSAGE USA is thrilled to announce the expansion of the 2-year Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program at the University of South Alabama for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ages 18 – 28). The expansion, beginning in 2021, includes:

Program length options—Students may now choose to enroll in either the 2-year Program or 4- year Program. Each program includes individualized Adult Education Plans (AEP) including academic, social, independent living, self-determination, self-advocacy, community integration and employment outcomes developed by a person-centered planning (PCP) approach.

2-year Program

For students interested in continuing their academic, career and technical, and independent living development to prepare for gainful employment. Students enroll in non-credit undergraduate courses and have inclusive employment experiences to develop the skills needed to obtain and retain jobs. Upon completing the program requirements, students receive the Two-Year PASSAGE USA Postsecondary Education Credential for Training in Life and Employment Skills at Commencement. The 2-year program is a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program. Students in this program can use the FASFA to apply for need-based federal financial aid.

4-year Program

For students interested in pursuing an academic area of emphasis and have the desire to live as independently as possible in their communities. Students enroll in the same curriculum structure as the 2-year program, but will receive advanced instruction in independent living, self-determination and self-advocacy, social, and employment skills in years 3 and 4. Students will choose at least two “inclusive” courses per semester that will lead toward their academic area of emphasis (e.g., Hospitality and Tourism Management; Recreation and Leisure; Health, Nutrition, and Wellness; or Interdisciplinary Studies). Students will also participate in additional work experiences in integrated competitive employment settings at least 25 hours a week. In the students’ 4th year, they will participate in the Community-Based Residential Internship where they will live in a community housing option identified by each student and their family. Upon completing the program requirements, students receive the 4-Year PASSAGE USA Postsecondary Education Credential for Training in Life and Employment Skills at Commencement. The 4-year program is a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program. Students in this program can use the FASFA to apply for need-based federal financial aid.

Extended Program

Some students completing the 2-year program will be invited to continue their enrollment in PASSAGE USA by working towards an academic area of emphasis as well as extended work experiences, and participation in the Community- Based Residential Internship. Upon completing the program requirements, students receive the 4-Year PASSAGE USA Postsecondary Education Credential for Training in Life and Employment Skills at Commencement. The extended program is a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program. Students in this program can use the FASFA to apply for need-based federal financial aid.

Major Grant Fuels PASSAGE USA Expansion

The College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of South Alabama has been awarded a $2.3 million U. S. Department of Education grant to expand its PASSAGE USA program, which assists students with intellectual disabilities.

Read Full Story

Donate to PASSAGE USA

The Gaillard-Neville Reynolds Scholarship fund has been established to support students in the PASSAGE USA program.

Donate to a scholarship for PASSAGE USA students

Click on this video to learn more about PASSAGE USA.

Interested in applying as a student?

For full eligibility requirements, please, see the USA PASSAGE Admissions page. Applying for PASSAGE USA is a process, and requires several steps. To start the PASSAGE USA application process, click here.

Interested in applying as a peer mentor?

If you're interested in becoming a peer mentor, start the process by clicking here.

This project is funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Post- Secondary Education Grant # P407A150076 and P407A200064.