The CHOICE Program for Inclusive Learning is a college-based program of study for highly motivated learners identified as having an intellectual disability based on the Swainsboro campus of Georgia Southern University. This program is part of the EAGLE Academy Inclusive Postsecondary program offerings at Georgia Southern. As a “beginning level” IPSE program, CHOICE offers residential or commuter options and generalized courses that focus on career exploration. CHOICE is a two-year, four-semester, nondegree program that applies the principles of experiential learning, academic enrichment, socialization, self-advocacy skills, and integrated work experiences that lead to gainful employment. The CHOICE program is identified as a Comprehensive Transition program by the US Department of Education and therefore is able to offer some forms of financial aide for students.
Students who graduate from CHOICE also have the option to apply to the EAGLE Academy program on the Statesboro campus for a second two-year certificate.
The CHOICE Program has developed successful transition practices that promote quality and inclusive postsecondary services and supports within the program and East Georgia campus of Georgia Southern University. These practices result in improved gainful employment and successful independent living outcomes for students with an intellectual disability. Person-Centered Planning (PCP) is used to identify a student’s strengths and needs. The PCP serves as a guide to student success.
We work closely with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) services and strongly encourage all applicants to open a case with GVRA. GVRA Pre-ETS services are embedded in each of the six courses offered by the program.
Personalized Program
The CHOICE Program for Inclusive Learning offers a personalized college experience designed to help students with intellectual disabilities build the skills, confidence and independence needed for future success.
Using Person-Centered Planning (PCP), each student creates an individualized Program of Study that focuses on their strengths, interests and long-term goals in four key areas:
- Academic Enrichment: Participate in select Georgia Southern courses through auditing while building knowledge and confidence in a supportive learning environment.
- Career Exploration: Discover career interests through work-based learning, internships and integrated employment experiences that prepare students for meaningful careers.
- Independent Living Skills: Strengthen daily living, self-advocacy, communication and decision-making skills that promote greater independence.
- Campus Engagement: Experience college life by participating in student organizations, campus events, recreational activities and residential opportunities when eligible.
Why Choose CHOICE?
- Personalized Program of Study: Build an individualized learning plan based on your strengths, interests and future goals through Person-Centered Planning.
- College Experience: Become an active member of the Georgia Southern community by participating in campus organizations, events and student life opportunities.
- Career-Focused Learning: Explore career pathways through internships, work-based learning and integrated employment experiences designed to prepare you for meaningful employment.
- Supportive Environment: Receive individualized support while developing academic, social, communication and independent living skills in an inclusive college setting.
- Residential or Commuter Options: Choose the experience that best fits your needs, with on-campus housing opportunities available for eligible students.
- Financial Aid Opportunities: As a federally recognized Comprehensive Transition Program, eligible students may qualify for federal financial aid to help offset educational expenses.
Admissions & How to Apply
We’re excited about your interest in CHOICE!
- Step 1: Complete the online application form.
- Step 2: Submit supporting documents.
- Step 3: The Admissions Team will review applications for potential enrollment.
Program Information
The CHOICE Program for Inclusive Learning provides a personalized college experience that prepares students with intellectual disabilities for greater independence, meaningful employment and active participation in university life. Through Person-Centered Planning (PCP), each student develops an individualized Program of Study focused on academic enrichment, career exploration, independent living and campus engagement. Explore the program details below, including eligibility requirements, the application process and important program policies.
- Complete and submit the online Student Application.
- Once you have submitted an application, we will send you an email with a link, and then you will need to submit the supporting documents listed below:
- Submit a copy of our IEP from your last year in high school
- Submit the most recent high school transcript.
- Submit a copy of your Summary of Performance documents from high school (if available).
- Submit a copy of your Individual Plan of Support from Vocational Rehabilitation. If you don’t have this yet, submit documentation (e.g., letter) stating what your status with Vocational Rehabilitation is.
- Submit a copy of your most recent psychological-educational evaluation.
- This evaluation needs to include both an achievement and adaptive assessment that are less than three years old*, AND
- An IQ test that is less than three years old, or two IQ assessments that have commensurate scores regardless of when they were given.
- *If you have been out of school for more than three years, please submit the most recent of the above-named documents.
- Submit a copy of your immunization record
- Complete the forms within the application packet.
- Selected applicants will be invited to an interview either on-campus or virtually (if you haven’t been on a campus tour, we will ask for an in-person interview).
- Applicant Interviews
- Applicants will receive notification of admission to the CHOICE program.
- Admitted students will apply to be an official Georgia Southern student through the Office of Admissions.
An application Screening Committee will review applications submitted and select potential candidates to interview. This process will continue until a cohort of 10 has been identified, there are no other potential candidates identified, or our application deadline has been reached.
In addition to completing the CHOICE application, a FAFSA application is also required. We encourage you to complete this as soon as possible.
Please contact choiceprogram@georgiasouthern.edu, if you would like to schedule a tour or have any questions.
Please note that an application will not be considered unless all the information requested is received.
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old and have completed high school.
- Have a documented intellectual disability (per psychological evaluation conducted within the last 3 years).
- Express a desire to attend the CHOICE Program for Inclusive Learning Program.
- Adhere to the Policies and Procedures of Georgia Southern University and those specific to the CHOICE Program for Inclusive Learning.
- Demonstrate ability to live within a dorm setting independently.
- Demonstrate a desire to obtain meaningful employment.
- Undertake activities of daily living without direct supervision (e.g., personal hygiene, self-administering medication, basic first aid and safety needs, etc.)
- Navigate campus independently once shown where to go (cross roads independently, ask for assistance when needed, communicate needs effectively).
All enrolled students must:
- Have health insurance (Medicaid, Medicare, private).
- Have their own personal cell phone upon entering the program, so CHOICE program staff can maintain contact.
Georgia Southern University’s CHOICE Program is a postsecondary inclusive learning program with a community-based component for students with a documented intellectual disability who have completed high school. The CHOICE program is an individualized program of study composed of select (not for credit) college courses available to CHOICE students. CHOICE students audit the college courses. In addition, CHOICE students have access to student support services and student activities on campus, including on-campus housing, as defined herein.
Georgia Southern University believes that all students should have the opportunity to experience a full campus life that includes on-campus housing. Immersion into the college community as a resident student creates a sense of belonging for the student, which boosts confidence and creates additional social and learning environments.
On-campus housing is based on availability and is first-come, first-served for all students. All students must first gain admission to the CHOICE program, then to Georgia Southern, and then submit a housing application. Eligibility for housing for CHOICE students will be assessed by the Admissions Committee after review of items including but not limited to the following: review of application materials, personal interview, and parent/guardian interviews. The admissions committee reserves the right to ask for additional information during the admissions process, as needed, to assess the applicant’s ability to function independently. To be eligible for on-campus housing, CHOICE students must be able to live independently in a residence hall, demonstrating the necessary life skills with limited supervision. Essential life skills include, but are not limited to, knowledge and appreciation of danger, knowing when to ask for assistance, the ability to access resources for assistance, and interpersonal skills sufficient to share living space. In addition, CHOICE housing students must be able to administer their own medications and have or arrange for personal transportation for off-campus medical or therapeutic appointments. CHOICE students must follow Georgia Southern University policies and behave respectfully. In an emergency situation, CHOICE students must be able to recognize and respond, take initiative, and/or follow emergency response directions.
CHOICE students will be assigned roommates using the same roommate-assignment procedure as all Georgia Southern University students. CHOICE students will be asked to sign a Consent form allowing the sharing of limited information with the Residence Life Staff.
Additional provisions applicable to all resident students are contained in the Housing Agreement. The Housing Agreement for a CHOICE student must be co-signed by the CHOICE student’s parent or guardian.
For any additional questions or information please email us at: choiceprogram@georgiasouthern.edu