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Southeastern University’s (SEU) post-secondary transitional program for young adult students with mild intellectual disabilities, SEU Link, was awarded a $1,499,994 grant from the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA).
As a Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program continuing grant, the funds will cover a project period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027.
This is the third renewal of the grant, which the SEU Link program originally received in 2018 for $500,000, and then again in 2021 for $900,000.
“The awarding of these funds is a testament to the Link program’s proven success and promising future,” expressed SEU President Kent Ingle. “Not only will the grant support the continued implementation of the program, but it will also pave the way for its further enhancement — ensuring a brighter future for our students.”
SEU Link is one of about 30 programs in Florida being funded by FCSUA. It is also one of only a few faith-based postsecondary transition programs in the nation.
In its sixth year of operation, the SEU Link program is specifically designed to help students make the transition from high school to adulthood. During the course of the two-year program, students take Link-specific courses focused on skills related to independent living, self-advocacy and employment.
They also take courses in line with their own specific area of career interest, such as Art and Design, Business, Education and Childcare, Fitness, and Tourism and Hospitality.
The grant will be used to maintain the program, as well as support the creation and offering of an optional third year extension and the addition of a fourth staff position.
The third year extension will include an off-campus internship of 25 to 30 hours per week, as well as a two-credit course on campus, intended to better prepare students for time management and endurance when working. The ultimate goal is that students will be ready to pursue full-time employment after completing the program.
The fourth staff member will be a community transition specialist to address the needs of program alumni. In addition to building an alumni follow-up program, the specialist will develop and implement a curriculum for social and emotional wellness, oversee SEU social work interns that assist with the program and connect Link students to resources in the community.
A total of 13 students have successfully completed the Link program since its inception in 2018. According to a recent survey, 88% of these Link graduates are now employed. With the addition of the third-year option, the program will be able to increase its student capacity, allowing even more students to join the list of program graduates.
“We are thankful for the continued support from FCSUA. This grant will continue to allow us to impact the lives of students with intellectual disabilities who are seeking college, employment and independence just like every SEU undergraduate student,” commented Link Program Director Kelly Southmayd.
To learn more about the SEU Link program, click here.
This release is also available on the SEU Blog.
About SEU
Southeastern University (SEU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher learning. Founded in 1935 and located in the Central Florida community of Lakeland, SEU offers more than 100 degree programs including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. SEU’s reach expands beyond the Lakeland campus, with a comprehensive online learning program and more than 200 partner site programs worldwide. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Learn more at SEU.edu.