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
- Acceptable documentation of an Intellectual Disability may include
- A psychological, psychoeducational, or neuropsychological evaluation by a licensed school psychologist, a licensed clinical psychologist, or a licensed neuropsychologist
- A letter from a physician on letterhead, 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
- Ability to maintain personal hygiene independently
- Ability to engage in 50–90 minute lecture courses.
- Ability to participate in extended lab courses independently
- Ability to participate in extra-curricular activities.
- Desire to obtain competitive employment upon completion of program
- Acceptable documentation of intellectual disability must be no more than three (3) years old.
- Ability to stand for periods of three (3) hours or longer.
*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:
- Please check back on November 1 for the STAR Academy application, information about required application materials, and instructions for submitting your application.
- Submitting an application is the first step in the STAR Academy admissions process. Because STAR Academy is a limited-access program with a limited number of available spaces, submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. All applications are carefully reviewed based on eligibility, program fit, student goals, support needs, and available space.
- Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a comprehensive intake appointment and interview. This process allows the STAR Academy team to learn more about each applicant and better understand their individual goals and support needs.
- Applicants will complete a two-step interview process. The interview experience is designed to give applicants an opportunity to learn more about STAR Academy, interact with program staff, participate in activities, and demonstrate their interests and readiness for the program.
- Qualified applicants will be contacted to participate in an in-person informational meeting with STAR Academy program staff. During this meeting, staff will provide an overview of the program, courses, certificate pathways, expectations, and available support services. Parents and/or guardians are welcome to participate in portions of the informational meeting.
- Applicants will have an opportunity to learn more about STAR Academy and share information about themselves. This includes discussing their interests, goals, strengths, and reasons for wanting to attend college and participate in the program.
- Applicants selected for admission will be invited to a STAR Academy orientation. Students and their families will have the opportunity to meet program staff, connect with peers, explore the Miami Dade College campus, and complete important enrollment steps, including the MDC admissions process, FAFSA application, and Florida residency requirements.
- Important Dates
Applications Open: November 1
Application Deadline: June 7
Please note: STAR Academy has a limited number of spaces available each year. Meeting the eligibility requirements and completing the application and interview process does not guarantee admission. Final selections are based on program eligibility, fit, student goals and support needs, and available space.
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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.
