ACE-IT in College, an accredited inclusive postsecondary education program, provides a pathway to higher education for students with intellectual disability (ID) that do not meet the traditional college entrance criteria.
At Virginia Commonwealth University, ACE-IT in College promotes inclusion and opportunities for students with ID. Not only do ACE-IT students take VCU courses that align with their career goals, they also have paid campus jobs and community internships to help prepare them for their chosen careers. ACE-IT students are VCU RAMS and have access to all campus amenities and services just like any other student.
ACE-IT students earn a Certificate from VCU School of Education. The focus of this certificate is to prepare ACE-IT graduates for competitive integrated employment in their chosen career fields. In fact, 90% of ACE-IT graduates are employed today!
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS
• Have a documented intellectual disability
• Have an applied studies diploma or equivalent
• Be 18 or older
• Have a desire to work and get paid
• Live or plan to live in the Greater Richmond area
COSTS OF ACE-IT
• VCU tuition and fees
• ACE-IT program fees
• VCU course materials and books
HirE VCU RAMS
ACE-IT Student
VCU college students preparing for the modern workforce.
VCU Classes
Engage in VCU classes related to their career field.
About ACE-IT in College
Virginia Commonwealth University’s ACE-IT in College program is a program for students with intellectual disability, providing them with a pathway to college. Through ACE-IT, students enroll in VCU courses and participate in paid campus employment and internships, all geared towards building essential career skills. Upon completing the program, students graduate from the School of Education with a Certificate of Completion, fully prepared to pursue meaningful careers. The core mission of ACE-IT in College is to equip students with the skills and experience they need to succeed in the workforce.
LEARN MORE Contact Sonya Durham (durhams2@vcu.edu) to get connected. Visit the VCU ACE-IT in College website at AceItInCollege.VCU.edu or sign up for our Employer Newsletter
Paid Work
Gain work experience through paid campus employment and interestdriven internship.
Certificate
Graduate with a VCU School of Education certificate.
HIRING ACE-IT STUDENTS
• Gain dedicated employees with a strong work ethic
• Benefit from job coaching support
• Enhance diversity and inclusion in your business
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
• Academic Knowledge
• Essential Career Skills
• Real-world experiences
• Meaningful Careers
Visit the ACE-IT in College Website
Sign-up for our Employer Newsletter
The content was developed under a contract (#881-APE62524-H027A220107) from the Virginia Department of Education.
Inclusive College Program for students with intellectual disability
StUdent volunteer oPporTunity
Get to know VCU and hang out with fellow students!
ACE-IT in College seeks volunteer peer mentors. ACE-IT is a fully accredited VCU program for students with intellectual disability attending college. ACE-IT students are fellow VCU Rams looking for ways to meet other students and attend VCU events.
Peer Mentors are fellow RAMS who volunteer to work with ACE-IT students, explore and navigate the VCU campus, get involved with campus activities and events, and build their social skills. This is typically 1-2 hours a week based on both students’ schedules.
Peer mentors help ACE-IT students access and enjoy a vibrant, engaging VCU experience.
PEER MENTOR VOLUNTEER DUTIES
• Connect with an ACE-IT in College student to help them get involved socially on campus
• Spend time regularly with an ACE-IT student (attend a club event, grab coffee or lunch, study together, or go to a VCU sports event, for example!)
• Communicate in a timely manner
• Share reflections on student support needs
• Participate in training and check-ins for support (as needed)
• Be a friend!
QUALIFICATIONS
• Good academic standing
• Genuine desire to help ACE-IT students
• Ability to support & work with a diverse group of people
