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Why ECC?
From left: Sara Lipsett from OSHE, Dr. S. Aisha Steplight Johnson, and Jessica Steiger from OSHE
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The College’s Center for Adult Transition (CAT) provides students with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities with the support and resources necessary to succeed at the higher education level and beyond.
The program at ECC is funded by the state Department of Education’s Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE). On November 4, two officials from OSHE got a close up look at the program that currently enrolls 57 students between the ages of 18 and 24.
“It’s important to see the success of the program by coming to campus, and meeting with students and staff. We are here to support the institution in any way that we can,” stated Jessica Steiger, OSHE Senior Policy Analyst.
“It’s the students who make program like this really work and they are who we want to hear from,” said OSHE Grant Manager Sara Lipsett.
“We want our students to experience achievement, career readiness, and inclusion. We support them with mental health counseling. The goal is to provide all the necessary services and support for our students,” said Dr. S. Aisha Steplight Johnson, Director of the College’s Office of Student Development and Counseling. The CAT program is part of that office.
Students Cosme Rodriguez, Metisha Monchery, Ameena Farooqui, Alexis Perez and Christopher Pina gave brief program testimonials.
“Through the CAT program, I‘ve discovered a passion for writing and I’m much more confident now,” said Cosme.
“Through comprehensive support, we are helping our students have success in their classes and in their transition to meaningful employment,” said Gertrude Arthur, Administrative Assistant for CAT.
Workplace Readiness Advisor Barbara Lewis said the CAT program has a partnership with the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, conducts Summer information workshops to determine student interests and career counseling.
