Project SAINT
What is Project SAINT?
Project SAINT is an official Florida Post- Secondary Comprehensive Transition Program (FPCTP), recognized by the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities. The program is an award-winning, successful college inclusion program considered the best of its kind.
Housed in the Adult Education Department at Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus, Project SAINT stands for Student Access and INclusion Together. The name SAINT reflects the college’s team name, the Santa Fe Saints, as well as the program’s emphasis on "inclusion together". SAINT students receive the part-time support of SF student mentors whether in classes, on internships or participating in campus activities.
Learn more about Project SAINT.
Project SAINT = Inclusion
Inclusion is the central concept in Project SAINT. SAINT students attend classes, participate in internships on and off campus, join campus clubs, enjoy a wide range of student activities and events, and have access to all campus facilities, such as the SF Teaching Zoo and the SF Kika Silva Pla Planetarium. They do all of this along-side other SF students.
Who We Are
Project SAINT is a small, selective, intensive, modified (non-credit) college experience
for young adults under age 25 who have intellectual disabilities. SAINT students create
a personal plan of 20 hours weekly of academics, vocational preparation and internships,
independent living modules, and campus engagement and involvement. Access to mastery
of assistive technology is also central to students’ plans.
What We Offer
- Participation in a range of SF classes
- Continuing education, adult education and community education options
- Enrollment in career development classes and workshops, including SAINT workshop that covers topics such as employability, social skills and advocacy
- Participation in job internships
- Engagement in campus clubs and activities
- Accessing the wide range of SF facilities including the Zoo, Planetarium, Gym, Fine Arts Hall, Library, and more.
How To Apply
Applicants of Project SAINT must first apply and attend Adult Education for a full term, then are recommended for Project SAINT consideration.
Applications for SAINT are accepted on a rolling basis each term. The SAINT application procedure includes a questionnaire, documentation of disability, a student essay, references and applicant and parent/guardian interviews. A committee will then decide on acceptance.
Project SAINT is a program intended for young adults with intellectual disabilities.
Applicants must have a documented diagnosis and meet the IQ criteria for an intellectual disability.
- They are young adults in transition generally under the age of 25 who want a modified, inclusive non-credit and non-degree college experience.
- They are seeking skills that will build their independence, and want ultimately to live and work independently.
- They are able to communicate effectively, are highly motivated and hard working, can get to and from the campus and are able to navigate it independently.
- They look forward to and are ready for the challenges of a college environment including a full schedule of classes, internships and activities surrounded by college peers.
SAINT applicants are selected for admission based on success in an initial Adult Education class or classes.
Cost
Project SAINT is an approved Florida Comprehensive Transition Program (FCTP) and students are supported by scholarships made available by Florida state legislation and the Florida Center for Unique Learners. Base fees are currently covered by these scholarships for students enrolled in approved FCTP programs. These fees cover the base costs associated with Project SAINT that include up to 10 hours of mentorship weekly, mentor coordination, internships, mini audits, and SAINT workshops.
Other Adult Education grants cover the base costs of Adult Education classes, certification-bearing classes and materials. Additional fees for SAINT students include Adult Education fees of 30 dollars per term, fees for any optional full SF audits, costs of optional continuing or community education classes, additional books/materials, travel and food. However, the student scholarships assist with defraying all of these optional costs.
Project SAINT students may also attend recommended conferences during the year that are covered by grants.
Students obtain job preparation experience through Project SAINT and will create an online resume with the help of the Career Specialist for the purpose of obtaining a job. Project SAINT staff work with the students to find an appropriate paid position within a year of graduation. Staff also follow up with students for five years to provide consultation around employment.
Project SAINT's Goals and Outcomes
The overarching goal of Project SAINT is to provide a complete "wrap-around" program that addresses a student's life plans for independence through academics, career preparation, independent living skills, campus and community engagement and self-determination.
The primary desired outcome of Project SAINT is job readiness, preparation, and placement.
Project SAINT is designed to support students with intellectual disabilities in the following essential ways:
- By providing a modified and supported college experience that is fully integrated with other SF students in all areas: academic, social and community.
- By developing an individualized student-centered plan of 20 hours weekly for each enrollee that reflects his or her goals and interests and that is focused on successful transition, independent living and employment as key goals.
- By providing a wide range of support for success including mentorship, assistive technology and accommodations and an ongoing advising component.
At the end of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion, a graduation ceremony and at least one professional certification.
Program Length
Project SAINT is a one to two year program. Each SAINT student's program is personally tailored via a student-driven STAR plan (Students Transitioning to Adult Roles) related to his or her goals and interests.
Students can attend up to four (4) days per week, with a range of 12-20 hours per week. If a student is currently employed, the hours can be reduced to accommodate.
Program Format
Young adult students with intellectual disabilities who are accepted into the selective Project SAINT will find a small, inclusive, multi-faceted and modified college program. SAINT schedules combine Adult Education, General Education, Community Education and access to the vast resources of the Santa Fe College. The Project SAINT program also provides job readiness, on the job internships, industry recognized certifications and job placement assistance.
Students will attend a number of Adult Education offerings. Audits of regular SF courses can be arranged for mini or extended audit of a subject of interest. There is no class credit awarded for the classes and audits.
Schedule Determination
Schedules are created based on the planning meeting or STAR meeting at the beginning of the program. They are a combination of Adult Education classes, meetings with our Career Specialists, SAINT workshop, campus activities, internships, audits, and free time on campus. They are adjusted throughout the program, as needed.
In fall 2017, Project SAINT received an enhancement grant to support two new one-year Project SAINT entrepreneurial pathways: Horticulture Agriculture Pathway (HAP) in coordination with the non-profit Gainesville GROWHUB; and Artist Entrepreneur Pathway (AEP).
Students with particular interests and skills in gardening, horticulture and agriculture or who have artistic talents may apply for and be considered for either one of these 12-hour weekly one year scholarship eligible programs that include hands-on and professional guidance from a horticulture specialist for HAP and from guest and professional artists for AEP. Students learn academic skills wrapped around contextualized classes that lead to certifications in safe food handling (HAP) and customer service (AEP). They develop and practice their "on the job" skills, engage in entrepreneurship/sales, and do this all in inclusive classes.
Mentorship
Mentors are full-time SF college students who provide friendship and support Project SAINT students in navigating the college campus environment. They are not with students 100% of the time. Students are expected to be somewhat independent initially and become more so as they become more comfortable.
Student Resources
SF campus has many clubs and events. In addition, students have access to fine arts performances, the Fitness center, the game room, the food court, the library, the Zoo, and the Planetarium. See full list of student resources.
Additional Resources: