Edgewood College Eagles Take Action

Edgewood College students discover what they are passionate about—in a place where they can make a difference in the world around them. What will be your Edgewood College story?

Entrance into the Cutting Edge Program require that the student:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have an intellectual or developmental disability
• Have the desire to go to college

Students are encouraged to apply at least one year in advance. September 1st - November 30th (one year prior to entry). If the student wants to be admitted for Fall 2025, they should apply in the Summer or Fall of 2024. Students who interview will be notified of admittance status in February.

Admission to the Cutting Edge Program is based on several factors. We typically receive more applications than we have available spots for interviews. Submitting the application materials does not guarantee an interview or admission into the Cutting Edge Program. We recommend families begin preparing their materials by September.

Applications should include the following:

• Application
• Application Fee (paid Online)
• Recent Photo
• Official Transcripts
• At least one letter of reference (Not a Family Member)
• One-page essay - "Why I Want to Go to College"
• Current IEP or Re-Evaluation
• *Parent Survey
• *Two Teacher Survey’s 

Cutting Edge students take courses that assist in the transition to college, specifically addressing social aspects of college. These courses include:

• ED 90 Skills for Success/ED 112 College Success
  This course is designed to teach skills in the areas of: assistive technology, time management, language and communication, and self-determination. The goal is to apply these skills in all areas of life: college, independent living, and employment. 

• ED 91 Interpersonal Relationships
  Students learn about personal safety, navigation in the community, self-advocacy, self-defense in uncomfortable situations, and emergency response.

• ED 92 Interpersonal Relationships
  Students learn about support systems, appropriate social proximity, navigation of social situations, relationship building, & exploration of their role in our diverse world.

The Cutting Edge Program recognizes that there are different pathways through college and provides an individually designed plan for each student. Students and their families meet with Cutting Edge staff at least twice per year to develop their Individualized College Plan, which includes the benchmarks to reach their overall goal.

There are two paths for students to choose. Both paths support them in becoming independent and contributing members of their community.

PATHWAY 1: NON-DEGREE (2-4 YEARS)

Cutting Edge CUSTOMIZABLE CERTIFICATE

This non-degree certificate is customizable for each student. With this certificate, students typically have the freedom and flexibility to choose the classes they take and whether they will take that class for credit or audit.

After completion of their Individualized College Plan, students receive a customizable Cutting Edge certificate that further develops their strengths and talents, therefore making them more marketable in the workplace. With this certificate, former students have created their own businesses and/or worked in the community in a variety of settings.

Cutting Edge PARAPROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR CERTIFICATE & 21st CENTURY SKILLS for EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATE

There are two non-degree Career Certificates recognized by Edgewood College: the Paraprofessional Educator Certificate and the 21st Century Skills for Employment Certificate. Students following this pathway must take courses in those areas for credit, but are able to take other courses for credit or audit.

Students who are earning the Paraprofessional Educator Certificate complete practicums, and later work in the school setting. Students who are earning the 21st Century Skills for Employment participate in internships, and later work in the business setting.

PATHWAY 2: DEGREE-SEEKING (4-6 YEARS)

Students seeking a Bachelor’s Degree must be admitted through the general admissions process at Edgewood College and the Cutting Edge Program in order to receive services from Cutting Edge. Students are required to meet all aspects of the undergraduate degree, which is typically 120 credits. All courses must be taken for credit.

Supports for all pathways include Course Coaches, Independent Living Mentors, Health & Wellness Mentors, Volunteer Peer Mentors, Community Engagement Mentors, and Cutting Edge staff supports in areas of academic, professional, social, and emotional development.

Course Coaches: Undergraduate students who are trained & compensated by the Cutting Edge Program to support Cutting Edge students inside & outside of the classroom with their academic courses.

Job Coaches: Undergraduate students who are trained & compensated by the Cutting Edge Program to support Cutting Edge students on & off campus in their internship experiences.

Community Engagement Mentors: Undergraduate students who are trained & paid by the Cutting Edge Program to encourage students to participate in on-campus activities & events in the community. They also ensure that students have plans for the weekend that are safe & appropriate.

Health & Wellness Mentors: Undergraduate students who support Cutting Edge students in maintaining their health & well-being, as well as oversee the use of equipment in the Fitness Center.

Volunteer Peer Mentors: Undergraduate & graduate students who commit to spend at least one hour per week with a Cutting Edge student promoting appropriate & healthy social skills.

Independent Living Mentors: Undergraduate student who are trained & compensated by the Cutting Edge Program to promote independence in safe & supported environments. These mentors help students with time management skills, roommate relationships, daily living (laundry, hygiene, cooking), emotional support, & self-advocacy skills. They also encourage appropriate social interactions with fellow residents.