Beyond Academics

Beyond Academics is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). Its mission is to address the educational and career development needs of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, through a comprehensive training program of academic enrichment, socialization, independent living skills—including self-advocacy skills—and integrated work experiences and career skills that lead to gainful employment. Students completing the four-year program requirements receive a certificate in Integrative Community Studies at graduation, awarded by The Office of the Provost at UNCG. Beyond Academics began in 2004 when a community-wide planning initiative sponsored by a consortium of health and social services agencies in Forsyth, Stokes, Davie and Rockingham counties, was undertaken to assess the unmet needs of citizens with intellectual disabilities. A significant gap in the lack of available post-secondary education and support options for young adults with intellectual disabilities was identified. In 2006, UNCG partnered with this pilot project in moving it forward as an academic program, with the first students enrolling in 2007. A private, not-for-profit agency, Beyond Academics was established in 2009 to collaborate with the university to provide academic and therapeutic supports that assist the students in the program.