Registration form – THINK Ahead – 2022 2023 (.pdf)

Dutchess Community College

Think Ahead

FAQs

Think Ahead is a two-year program leading toward earning a certificate at graduation. It is a work readiness training program that prepares people to enter the workforce or supported employment so they can be competitively employed. Think Ahead is offered through collaboration with Abilities First Inc., Arc of Greater Hudson Valley, Dutchess Community College, Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative, and Maplebrook School.

Is there an age limit for participation?

Yes – at least 18 years old

Do I have to be a Dutchess County resident?

Yes

How do I apply?

Go online to the following link: Dutchess Community College – Think Ahead to complete an application. Send the completed application and supporting documentation to the following email address: thinkahead@sunydutchess.edu.
Applications are generally posted by April for the upcoming academic year, along with deadlines for applications to be submitted.

Admission requirements:

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) wavier eligible at the time of admission to the program; Have a life plan or Individual Educational Plan (IEP) with goals that support job readiness skill-building, and vocational aspirations;
Have a vocational evaluation such as school to work program or pre-vocational assessment;
Achieved a minimum of one hour of unsupervised time;
Graduated or separated from the secondary school program.

SUNY COVID protocols apply to Think Ahead students; the link to additional information is copied here:

https://www.sunydutchess.edu/healthycampus/students/index.html

Provide two letters of recommendation:

One letter from an HCBS provider (i.e. agency service provider)
One letter from an employer volunteer supervisor, job coach, or teacher (specific to work ethic).

What is next in the application process?

This is a selective process; we are able to offer 8 – 10 new students an opportunity each academic year. Applicants are asked to participate in an interview as part of the selection process.
Completed applications will be reviewed by the Think Ahead admission committee and evaluated for potential success in the Think Ahead program.
Supported applications will be selected and interviews will be held each June with decisions rendered during the first week of July.
Students will interview with the Think Ahead admission committee;
Family members and/or service providers can accompany them to/at the interview with
the consent of the potential student.
Selected students will receive their acceptance letters in mid-July.
Acceptance letters will have information on the required Orientation Day and the first day of classes.
Students must accept the DCC code of conduct and sign an attendance/conduct contract.
Applicants who are not selected for the program will be provided with recommendations for alternative programs and/or preparing for future applications to Think Ahead.

Is Transportation Provided?

No – students must have access to transportation to the Poughkeepsie campus; or
Be able or willing to learn to use the Dutchess County Transit system.

What costs and/or supplies are needed?

Dutchess Community College provides classroom supplies currently;
Tuition is currently supported by Dutchess County
Participants should provide their own meals, or
Meal plans can be purchased for use at the Dining Hall
Students opting to audit credit-bearing courses should be prepared to purchase or rent textbooks or classroom materials required by faculty.

What does the day look like?

Classes operate on a semesterly basis aligned with DCC’s academic calendar.

Fall semester classes typically begin the last week of August/first week of September
The fall semester ends at the beginning of December and students take a mid-year break until January when the spring semester begins.

Think Ahead classes meet each M/W/F from 9 – 12; participation is required to complete the certificate. Activities may continue on campus until 2:00 pending transportation and agency support if needed. Work experiences are unpaid and held on campus for the first year with options for off-campus experiences in the second year. An optional summer program is also available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 – 12 during the months of June and July. Optional activities on T/Th from 9 – 2 that are offered:

work experience,
audit credit-bearing courses,
campus clubs,
campus fitness center,
library & writing center,
create connections with college students

What does the curriculum include?

Daily living skills;
Job readiness skills for employment;
Improving communication and interpersonal skills;
Strengthening basic reading & writing;
Developing lifelong learning and study skills;
Stress management;
Career exploration and internships
Vocational development

Is there support on campus?

Yes:

Office of Accommodative Services
DCC Cares
Campus Academic Support Centers

If I audit a class, what can I expect?

A course audit allows a student to participate in a classroom experience without earning a grade or credit for the course. Think Ahead students are not required to cover the tuition cost for these courses and may enroll in one credit-bearing course each semester. Registration is coordinated by the Director of Accommodative Services.

Students auditing a class may purchase the textbook, however, this is not required. Textbooks for each course are available in the DCC library.
You may take exams and submit assignments for practice and experience, this is not required.
Students auditing credit courses should be ready to attend the first class when the credit-bearing courses begin, usually a week before the Think Ahead program begins.
The Office of Accommodative Services is available to provide classroom accommodations and assist with assignments.
Students opting to audit credit-bearing courses should be purchase classroom materials required by faculty (art supplies, photo equipment, etc.)