Intellectual Disabilities and Special Needs
The Miami Dade College STAR (Student Transition and Resource) Academy is a post-secondary comprehensive transition program for individuals with intellectual disabilities, housed at Wolfson Campus. The purpose of our transition program is to increase independent living, inclusive and experiential postsecondary education and employment opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities through postsecondary education. As part of Miami Dade College’s commitment to accessibility, STAR Academy offers a welcoming environment for students who are neurodivergent or have other unique learning needs, supporting them through an inclusive academic and career development experience.
Individuals enrolled in the MDC STAR Academy will have the opportunity to earn college credit certificates, industry certifications and program endorsements/badges while taking continuing education and college credit courses to enhance their academic and vocational skills. The ultimate goal of the MDC STAR Academy is to connect students who have completed the program to gainful employment.
Neurodiversity Program Highlights:
The program is structured to meet the diverse needs of students with special learning profiles and provides the tools to succeed in both academic and social settings.
Students enrolled in STAR Academy will participate in an academy-style cohort which offers unique academic, social, and workforce experiences to enhance their skills.
Academic:
- Dedicated Academic Advisor
- Specially Trained Faculty
- Unique Program Tracks
- Tutoring Support
- Individual Academic Plans
Social:
- Access to all MDC Events
- College clubs and organizations
- Social and Sporting events
- Membership to Wolfson Campus Fitness and Wellness Center
Workforce:
- Targeted Career Advisement
- Interview coaching
- Access to MEED and MDC Works
- Internship opportunities
- Work-study opportunities
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Proof of high school completion (official or unofficial transcripts until official transcripts are available) or equivalent (e.g., high school diploma, GED)
- All accepted program participants will be required to submit official transcripts or proof of equivalent as part of the admission process
- Documentation of intellectual disability documentation may include:
- A psychological, psychoeducational, or neuropsychological evaluation by a licensed school psychologist, a licensed clinical psychologist, or a licensed neuropsychologist.
- A leter from a physician on leterhead, including their signature and license number
- Copy of most recent Individual Educational Plan (IEP), 504 Accommodations plan, or other school (or educational based) accommodations planning document.
- Photo of applicant
- Ability to navigate campus independently or with assistance from a Personal Care Atendant (PCA)*
- Ability to maintain personal hygiene independently or with assistance from a Personal Care Atendant (PCA)*
- Ability to engage in 50 to 90-minute lecture courses
- Ability to participate in extended lab courses independently or with assistance of a Personal Care Atendant (PCA)*
- Ability to participate in extra-curricular activities and programming independently or with assistance of a Personal Care Attendant (PCA)*
- Desire to obtain competitive employment upon completion of program
*Personal Care Attendants (PCA) are not provided by Miami Dade College, or MDC STAR Academy; the student and/or family are responsible for identifying a PCA and any incurred compensation. Use of a PCA must be an approved accommodation by the ACCESS – Disability Services department.
Application Process:
- To apply for the MDC STAR Academy, a program recognized for its work in inclusive postsecondary education. Complete and submit the MDC STAR Academy application and required documents.
- Please email all completed application packets (application, photo, and required documents) to StarAcademy@mdc.edu no later than July 25th, 2025.
- Qualified applicants will be selected and contacted to schedule an in-person informational meeting with program staff who will share program and course sequence information; parents and/or guardians will be welcome to join during portions of the informational meetings
- During this informational meeting applicants will have the opportunity to share information about themselves and their goals, meet program staff, and gain a greater understanding of MDC STAR Academy
- Selected applicants will be notified of acceptance and invited for a comprehensive intake appointment and interview
- Participants and families will be invited to a program open house at which they will have the opportunities to complete the MDC admission process, apply for FAFSA, and declare in-state residency
- Participants will engage in a two-day orientation to meet program staff, build connections with other program participants, and become familiar with the campus
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The MDC STAR Academy offers two unique program tracks to ensure that all program participants can engage at a pace that feels right for them with the level of support that they need.
Additionally, program participants will choose from one of two college credit certificates:
Culinary Arts Management Operations
The Culinary Arts Management Operations College Credit Certificate is designed to prepare students with an in-depth study of food production, and a practical foundation in international cuisine for a successful career in the culinary industry.
Rooms Division Operations
The Rooms Divisions Operations College Credit Certificate is designed to prepare students with a theoretical and practical foundation for a successful career in the lodging industry. Students enrolled in this certificate are prepared for positions such as Front Desk Supervisor or Guest Relations Supervisor.
