Admissions Process

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. 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
• 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
• Feedback Forms (will be mailed out to applicants)

Cutting Edge Courses:

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

• Skills for Success
  This course is designed to teach skills in the areas of: financial literacy, 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. 

• Safety in the Community
  Students learn about personal safety, navigation in the community, self-advocacy, self-defense in uncomfortable situations, and emergency response.

• 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)

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

This non-degree certificate is customizable for each student. With this certificate, students have the freedom and flexibility to choose the classes they take according to their career goals and interest areas. Graduates who have earned this certificate have created their own businesses and/or worked in the community in a variety of settings.

PARA-PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR CERTIFICATE

This certificate is designed for students who want to work with children and combines hands-on practicum experiences in the schools, while also completing coursework covering theories of child development, diversity in the classroom, and teaching strategies. Students will complete a minimum of 48 credits, which fulfills the requirement for the state of Wisconsin to work in schools as a para-professional. Students completing this certificate may be employed in positions such as teacher' assistants, after-school group leaders, and childcare center assistants.

 21ST CENTURY SKILLS FOR EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATE

This certificate prepares students to work in entry-level positions in a variety of work settings. Coursework includes a focus on crucial employability skills, such as written communication, oral communication, technology literacy, and career exploration. This certificate offers flexibility for the student to explore their own interest areas while also developing critical skills for employment.

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.

Cutting Edge offers support in five distinct areas: Academic, Employment, Health & Wellness, Independent Living, and Community Engagement. Through academic advisors, our staff, and peer mentors, each student will receive the support they need throughout their college experience.

Course Coaches: This support is designed to provide students academic mentoring while in college. This role also works with students in the program outside of class to monitor assignment completion, assist with the break-down of tasks, and help with exam preparation.

Job Coaches: In this mentoring role, peers guide students in their internship experiences on-campus. This may include modeling job tasks, professionalism, and workplace communication.

Community Engagement Mentors: The purpose of this support is to promote inclusion and involvement of students in the program both on-campus and in the community. Mentors in this role encourage students to participate in a variety of activities while also advising students in making safe weekend plans. Mentors might also host on or off campus social events for students.

Health & Wellness Mentors: These mentors support students in the program in the areas of health and well-being. They hold weekly sessions on the topics of wellness, mindfulness, and/or fitness. Some mentors also work one-on-one with students on specific goals in the fitness center.

Independent Living Mentors: Mentors in this role promote independence in students' living spaces through weekly skill development sessions. Sessions may focus on topics such as time management, interpersonal relationships, and activities of daily living (laundry, hygiene, cleaning, cooking, budgeting, grocery shopping, etc.).

Volunteer Peer Mentors: These volunteers commit to spending at least one hour per week with a student from the program. This looks different for each student, but could include having a meal together, checking-in about social relationships, participating in an activity, or exploring the community.

Customized Employment

Students participate in practicums and internships in order to build skills that will lead to employment. At the beginning of the student's college career, their paid internship will be located on-campus. Students may also enroll in the Cutting Edge Internship course series to further their understanding of employability skills.

As students gain experience and advance in their coursework, they may transition to off-campus employment in the Madison area. This is a particular focus during the student's final year in the program. Cutting Edge staff partners with the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) in order to prepare the student for community employment.