Aspring Scholars Program

California State University San Marcos

333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92096

The California State University San Marcos Aspiring Scholars Program is a non-degree, four-year Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) program for students with intellectual disabilities seeking an inclusive college experience. This program is recognized as a Comprehensive Transition and Post-Secondary (CTP) program. With the goal of competitive integrated employment, students participate in academic courses, vocational internships, independent life skills seminars, and campus events. An individualized pathway of courses and internships are created by the student in collaboration with their Person Driven Plan support team. Upon completion of the program, students earn a higher education academic and career studies certificate.

CONTACT INFO

Program Contact:	Dr. Rebecca Brooks
Program Contact Email:	scholars@csusm.edu
Program Phone:	760-750-8506
Program Website:	www.csusm.edu/el/programs/aspiringscholars

GENERAL

Public or Private:	Public
Type of School:	4 Year College or University
Size of School:	Large (>15,000)
Length of Program:	4 Year
Accepts out-of-state students?	Yes
Type of Postsecondary Education Program:	Integrated/Immersive Inclusion → full participation in all aspects of campus with coordinated supports
Residential Living Component:	Optional
Walkability & Bikeability of College and Surrounding Community:	Walk Score
Public Transportation Available:	Public Transportation to/around community Bike Access
Number of Students in Program:	20
Number of Students Per Cohort:	12
When do new cohorts begin?	Fall
Types of disabilities who are/may be represented in this program, but are not limited to:	Intellectual Developmental Identify as Neurodiverse Autism Down Syndrome Cerebral Palsy

REQUIREMENTS

Age Requirements:	Minimum 18 years of age
Is a high school diploma required?	No
Deadline for Application:	November 30th
Criteria for Admission:
Supports that are provided:	Vocational Academic Independent Living Social
Program serves only students who have exited the K-12 system?	Applicant is not required to attend a 2 year transition program provided by their district

ACCEPTANCE, RETENTION, AND COMPLETION RATES

Acceptance rate for the most recent fall term:
Retention rate for first year students from the previous academic year to the current one:	100%
Admitted applicants with these skills are commonly seen, but are not prerequisites. Students will have the opportunity to develop them directly during the program.
Minimum requirements for the program

COST

Average Total Program Cost (Tuition, Student Fees, Housing, Room and Board, Books/Materials, Program Fees):
Is this a federally funded TPSID Program?	No
Out of pocket expenses for the program can be funded in the following ways:	DOR Regional Center Self-Pay Financial Aid Scholarships listed through Think College Private Scholarships
Average Out-of-Pocket Fees:

ACADEMICS

Approximate percentage of all courses taken by students in the program that are inclusive:	100%
Do all students in this program enroll in at least one inclusive college/university course for credit or audit each quarter/semester?	Yes
University courses are for:	Letter Grades, Credit/No Credit
Course Access:	Options for C/NC or grade Support with scheduling and enrollment Individual course support (e.g. tutoring, in-class support) Liaison with course faculty Aligned with individual interest/PCP
Credential(s) or certificate(s) students earn upon completing the program:	Academic and Career Studies Certificate
Is this credential/certificate approved by the college/university?
Students in the program have access to the following campus-wide services:	Student health center Student disability services Gym Computer labs Campus clubs Wellness Center Pantry Tutoring Center Career Center Identity Center University Events

EMPLOYMENT

Percentage of students in this program have paid work while attending the program:	~25%
Other career development activities include:	Resume writing Interview skills Soft skills (e.g., communication) Volunteer opportunities Internships (on-campus) Internships (community) Career Goal Setting
Percentage of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program:
Resources offered to students:	Technology/Laptops Tutoring Technology Support
Program Partnerships:	Department of Rehabilitation Campus Career Services Campus Career Fairs
External Supports Partnerships:	Peer mentors On campus supports ie: best buddies Intramural Sports Special Olympics

HOUSING / MEALS

Are residential living skills a component of this program?	No
Housing Options:	On-campus dorms Off-campus apartment
Are life skills a component of this program?	Yes
Housing is provided and arranged for students?	No
Are students able to live and work over the summer in the housing?
Are campus meal plans available?	Yes
Are on campus food options available?	Yes
Is there a food pantry on campus?	Yes

EXTRACURRICULAR / CAMPUS LIFE

Students can participate in student organizations and/or clubs on campus:	Yes
Students may participate in the following extracurricular activities:	Clubs Sororities/Fraternities Sports Affinity Groups Attend sporting and other campus events Access to campus Gym/Fitness center Independent activities outside the program Faith Communities Garden Spaces Concerts Signature Campus Events
Supports available to students in evenings and weekends:	N/A