Postsecondary Support Project
Project Dates
2010 – 2025
Funding Source
US Department of Education; Hawai‘i Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; Hawai‘i Developmental Disabilities Division
Website
About
The Postsecondary Support Project offers on-going coaching support to students with significant support needs at Kapiolani, Honolulu, Leeward, Windward, and Hawai‘i Community Colleges and UH Maui College. Our goal is to create inclusive postsecondary education opportunities for students with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities at each UH System Community College Campus. We are a twice funded TPSID (Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities) Grantee and also receive support from the Hawai‘i Developmental Disabilities Division and the Hawai‘i Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Students receive educational coaching that prepares them to navigate the UH System, develop good academic skills, stay on track with their students, improve their “soft-skills,” and prepares students to learn about self determination and develop or improve their visions for their futures.
Project Goals
- Assist participants to transition from secondary to college or university.
- Deliver quality coaching support to prepare students for success in academics, employment, and independent living.
- Assist students to learn self determination skills as they prepare for independent adult roles in their communities.
- Support students through Person Centered Planning to set and achieve goals each semester.
- Support students to develop the skills and experience they will need to transition from college to the workforce.
Eligibility
PSP Applicants should have:
- An informed desire to go to college.
- Motivation to enroll, attend, and work hard in college classes.
- A commitment to complete college coursework and PSP expectations.
- A desire to grow and prepare for independence and self determination.
- A goal to be employed.
- Sufficient independence and ability to self-regulate in classes.
- Have a qualifying disability or DDD/DVR referral.
Self Determination Training
The concept of Self Determination has been a stated focus in the education and support professions for decades. Yet there are very few educational opportunities for individuals, families, and professionals to actually learn about Self Determination.
The Hawai‘i Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Division has partnered with the University of Hawai‘i Center on Disability Studies to provide no-cost Self Determination (SD) statewide training opportunities for educators, agency personnel, waiver providers, families, community members, and people with disabilities.
Camp Mānoa
In addition to coaching and transition support, the PSP offers a 4-day/3-night postsecondary education residential training experience each summer on campus at UH Mānoa. The camp offers a focused hands-on educational self-determination curriculum for students on-campus in college classrooms with lessons delivered in a setting and style that mirrors and academic college week. More information on Camp Mānoa 2024 coming soon!
Principal Investigator
Primary Contact
Marla Arquero is the Student Support Specialist with the Postsecondary Support Project and an Evaluator with HI AWARE at the University of Hawaii Center on Disability Studies. She has 18 years of experience working with students and adults with mental health needs in public schools and private facilities. She has her Master’s Degree in Social Work and is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Contact
marla3@hawaii.edu
Team
Marla Arquero is the Student Support Specialist with the Postsecondary Support Project and an Evaluator with HI AWARE at the University of Hawaii Center on Disability Studies. She has 18 years of experience working with students and adults with mental health needs in public schools and private facilities. She has her Master’s Degree in Social Work and is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Contact
marla3@hawaii.edu