Home > Special Insights Archive > August - September 2003 > New Series to Help Students "Make It"

The Parent Network of WNY and Daemen College are offering the "Can I Make It?" series. This series is a 20-hour course designed to help students with special learning needs effectively transition to a college or post- secondary program.

Why the odd title?
This course is rooted in the belief that all students can be successful with their life choices, based on their unique strengths and ability to make educated choices. Most students aren't equipped with this knowledge or skills prior to arriving at college, although all students should be able to develop these skills. Parents have the opportunity to watch their child's confidence build and reinforce the strategies they learn.

What is the course like?
Students participate in a variety of activities that honor their uniqueness. The students bond through structured discussions and simulations of effective advocacy techniques. Students practice how to advocate for their needs in life. Effective communication styles and learning strategies are modeled and woven into the entire experience.

How is the course structured?
While students are involved in small groups, parents are involved in similar activities that help them define their role. Classes are highly interactive, blending skills development, strategy instruction and active self-reflection into a positive learning experience. Large group informational sessions (with both parents and students) are interspersed with smaller, more focused sessions designed for reaction, reflection and planning.

Who participates?
Participants are high school juniors, seniors and their parents/caregivers. This course is aimed at students that are interested in attending college or a post-secondary program and parents who are interested in whether college is an appropriate goal for their child.

No diagnostic information or testing is required. Admission is on a first-come, first- serve basis. Class size is limited to 12 families. The course is free of charge. For more information, contact us at 332-4170.

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