The Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA) is a four-year certificate program that offers a full-time college experience for young adults, ages 18 to 28, with diverse abilities. ELSA is a post-secondary program; therefore, students need to have a high school diploma or certificate of completion.

 ELSA Mission statement: Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA) strives to provide an inclusive environment among degree seeking peers that offers students the opportunity to engage in the college experience through academics, campus life, and career exploration. Degree-seeking students and ELSA students will have the opportunity to learn from and alongside each other.

The ELSA program emphasizes the following primary areas within the curriculum: academics, career exploration, independent living skills, and social engagement. Students in ELSA have the opportunity to live on campus or commute. To be considered for housing, students must attend the program full time, complete the housing assessment conducted by ELSA staff, and have legal guardianship over themselves.

With NCAA Division lll approval for athletics and some fraternity and sorority organizations, students can participate fully in college life at Elmhurst.

ELSA has three focus areas in the program that offer a well-rounded experience for students. These focus areas are:

1. Academics

Students take courses to enhance their writing and mathematics skills. ELSA provides integrated instruction that includes personal finance and the use of technology throughout the program. Additionally, students can take degree-seeking courses, beginning in their second year of study, based on success in their first year. Many students from other programs at the University can work as teaching assistants or education coaches to support student learning in the classroom.

2. Career Exploration

Students learn work readiness skills such as resume building, interviewing, and job searching. They participate in job shadows, take career exploration courses, and participate in internships and other field experiences on and off-campus. Students can also take degree-seeking courses or ELSA core courses based on their interests. University students can work as job coaches to support ELSA students in their internships and jobs, guiding them to learn their workplace roles and increase their independence on the job.

3. Social Engagement

Students take various courses that build skills in communication, personal management, and healthy living. Students can also live inclusively on-campus in residence halls or apartments. Students learn valuable strategies to enhance their skills in budgeting, menu preparation, cooking, shopping, public transportation, household management, personal care, and other functional life skills. Students are part of the Elmhurst University community and can participate in various clubs, organizations, and intramural sports. Participation in these activities is required in multiple courses. Many students from other programs at the University can work as life coaches or community advisors to engage students in planned activities, improve executive functioning skills, and encourage peer interaction and social skills.

ELSA has one goal:

1. To establish a full-time postsecondary experience for young adults with disabilities in a supportive and inclusive environment. Students can enter the program between the age of 18-28.

Courses are taught by faculty and upper-level students, though ELSA students have opportunities to take college level courses as ELSA electives for credit. In addition to the ELSA Certificate of Completion, some students can choose to earn an ELSA Certificate of Specialized Study. After completing their first year, students select four Elmhurst University courses over two years from various areas of interest. Past areas have included English, business, art, music, theater, geography, and informational technology. The courses can include two introduction and two advanced courses and are determined on a case-by-case basis, with the help of the associate director and approval of the department chair. The goal is to create opportunities for ELSA students to enhance their education, improve prospects for employment and increase college integration.

Program Learning Outcomes

Academic Program Learning Outcomes (A)

1.     Students will demonstrate basic writing skills A1

2.     Students will apply principles of financial literacy to everyday life A2

Career Program Learning Outcome (C)

1. Students will build skills needed in the career-building process C1

Social Program Learning Outcomes (S)

1.     Students will engage in community service or extra-curricular activities on and off campus S1

2.     Students will demonstrate the ability to ask for help from appropriate resources S2

3.     Students will demonstrate the ability to interact with others professionally and interpersonally S3

4.     Students will demonstrate positive habits in physical and/or emotional management S4

Students are required to receive 32 credits to graduate with a certificate of completion. Students participate with all students at the campus graduation ceremony.