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Career and Community Studies-Employment Readiness - Non-Degree

Overview

The Career and Community Studies Employment Readiness program provides students with the tools and resources needed to develop essential employment skills, such as job search strategies, communication skills, workplace behavior, and more. With experienced faculty and a supportive community, students gain the confidence and knowledge needed to succeed in their careers.

Contact Information

• Vonnie Michali | |
• Speak with an Advisor
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery: In person
• Location: Kent Campus

Admission Requirements

The program is limited to 10-12 students each fall. Students participating in the program experience intellectual and developmental disabilities that may affect some intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Other qualifications include documentation of past successful work, academic, leadership, and community participation. Also required for admission are a completed application, reference letters, and an in-person interview with the CCS admission committee.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

• CCS 00015: SELF-ADVOCACY: DISABILITY AWARENESS AND THE LAWS (3 credits)
• CCS 00020: APPLYING TECHNOLOGY (1 credit)
• CCS 00035: SELF-ADVOCACY: COMMUNICATION SKILLS (3 credits)
• CCS 00105: INTRODUCTION TO JOB EXPLORATION (1 credit)
• CCS 00115: SELF-ADVOCACY AND SELF-DETERMINATION (3 credits)
• CCS 00120: PERSON-CENTERED PLANNING: FRESHMAN (1 credit)
• CCS 00135: SELF-ADVOCACY: HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS (3 credits)
• CCS 00145: DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: FRESHMAN (6 credits)
• CCS 00010: INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS I (3 credits)
• CCS 00205: JOB EXPLORATION I (3 credits)
• CCS 00206: JOB EXPLORATION II (3 credits)
• CCS 00220: PERSON-CENTERED PLANNING: SOPHOMORE (1 credit)
• CCS 00235: SELF-ADVOCACY: INDEPENDENT LIVING AND INJURY PREVENTION (3 credits)
• CCS 00245: DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: SOPHOMORE (6 credits)
• CCS 00292: WORK EXPERIENCE: SOPHOMORE (12 credits)
• CCS 00335: SELF-ADVOCACY: HEALTHY LIVING (3 credits)
• CCS 00410: EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATIONS (3 credits)
• CCS 00425: MANAGING MONEY AFTER COLLEGE (1 credit)
• CCS 01095: SPECIAL TOPICS: FRESHMAN LECTURE (1 credit)
• or CCS 01195: SPECIAL TOPICS: FRESHMAN LABORATORY
• or CCS 01295: SPECIAL TOPICS: FRESHMAN COMBINED LECTURE AND LABORATORY

Minimum Total Credit Hours: 60

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum Major GPA: 2.000
• Minimum Overall GPA: 2.000

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

• Semester One:
  • CCS 00020: APPLYING TECHNOLOGY (1 credit)
  • CCS 00035: SELF-ADVOCACY: COMMUNICATION SKILLS (3 credits)
  • CCS 00115: SELF-ADVOCACY AND SELF-DETERMINATION (3 credits)
  • CCS 00145: DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: FRESHMAN (3 credits)
  • CCS 00292: WORK EXPERIENCE: SOPHOMORE (3 credits)
  • CCS 01095: SPECIAL TOPICS: FRESHMAN LECTURE (1 credit)
  • or CCS 01195: SPECIAL TOPICS: FRESHMAN LABORATORY
  • or CCS 01295: SPECIAL TOPICS: FRESHMAN COMBINED LECTURE AND LABORATORY
• Semester Two:
  • CCS 00015: SELF-ADVOCACY: DISABILITY AWARENESS AND THE LAWS (3 credits)
  • CCS 00105: INTRODUCTION TO JOB EXPLORATION (1 credit)
  • CCS 00120: PERSON-CENTERED PLANNING: FRESHMAN (1 credit)
  • CCS 00135: SELF-ADVOCACY: HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS (3 credits)
  • CCS 00145: DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: FRESHMAN (3 credits)
  • CCS 00292: WORK EXPERIENCE: SOPHOMORE (3 credits)
• Semester Three:
  • CCS 00010: INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS I (3 credits)
  • CCS 00205: JOB EXPLORATION I (3 credits)
  • CCS 00235: SELF-ADVOCACY: INDEPENDENT LIVING AND INJURY PREVENTION (3 credits)
  • CCS 00245: DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: SOPHOMORE (3 credits)
  • CCS 00292: WORK EXPERIENCE: SOPHOMORE (3 credits)
  • CCS 00410: EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATIONS (3 credits)
• Semester Four:
  • CCS 00206: JOB EXPLORATION II (3 credits)
  • CCS 00220: PERSON-CENTERED PLANNING: SOPHOMORE (1 credit)
  • CCS 00245: DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: SOPHOMORE (3 credits)
  • CCS 00292: WORK EXPERIENCE: SOPHOMORE (3 credits)
  • CCS 00335: SELF-ADVOCACY: HEALTHY LIVING (3 credits)
  • CCS 00425: MANAGING MONEY AFTER COLLEGE (1 credit)

Minimum Total Credit Hours: 60

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Become more self-determined persons who are better prepared for independent living and the achievement of employment goals.
2. Become critical and independent thinkers and use their own voice and vision in order to be active and informed citizens.
3. Identify basic concepts of the employment and life disciplines and apply concepts to preparing for employment post graduation.
4. Speak to awareness of ethical implications of their own actions and be positive role models who contribute to societal views concerning inclusion, community, and tolerance for diversity.

Full Description

Career and Community Studies-Employment Readiness non-degree program offers a college experience meticulously designed to prepare individuals aged 18 and older, with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as autism, for the transition into adult life and the workforce. Students will learn and practice social skills, independent living skills, and employment skills tailored for entry-level jobs. Participants emerge as self-determined individuals who can figure out what they want to do with their lives.

In the first year, the program helps individuals figure out their strengths, likes, and what's challenging for them. It covers self-advocacy, understanding rights, personal development, health, and being aware of job skills. The second year builds on this, with more job opportunities and experiences on campus to boost awareness and success in both work and social skills. The goal is not just job readiness but also helping individuals become confident decision-makers in life and work.

Why Kent State University

Career and Community Studies

Learn more about the Career and Community Studies (CCS) program by visiting the CCS webpage!

Career and Community Studies (CCS) Program FAQs

Have questions? Check out our CCS FAQ sheet.

EHHS Student Testimonials

Discover why our Career Community Studies students and mentors love this program!