STRIVE
STRIVE Academy
Most teenagers desire independence. Students with learning disabilities, like autism or Down’s syndrome, are no exception.
Through STRIVE Academy — an educational program offered through DMACC in partnership with school districts, parents, and students — students ages 18-21 with transitional needs and an IEP (Individualized Education Program) learn to live as independently as possible.
Information Sessions
A visit to the DMACC STRIVE Academy program is strongly recommended for prospective students, families, and school districts. This visit helps the IEP team understand and determine if the STRIVE Academy is the right fit for a student.
Contact Karey Palmer for information session details.
Information sessions are for both STRIVE and STRIVE Academy. We will give an overview of each program and then split up based on which program will best fit your student.
Online Information Session:
- The next online sessions will be in the Fall 2024 semester, if you would like information
prior, email STRIVE@dmacc.edu to request and set up a time to meet.
(Zoom link will be emailed.))
On Campus Sessions:
- 3/1/24: 12-1:30 p.m. (This is our last in-person information session for the 2023-2024 calendar year. Check back in the fall for 2024-2025 information session dates.
STRIVE Academy helps students
Grow work-ready skills in a classroom setting
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Interpersonal relations
- Intrapersonal skills
- Attendance and punctuality
- Technology skills
- Workplace safety
- Productivity and supervision
Get on-the-job experience
- Employment at Goodwill and HyVee
- Work at settings that match their interests. These may include work opportunities at DMACC’s Trail Point Aquatics and Wellness Center, Child Development Center, computer lab, or Café X, or offsite through relationships with area businesses and organizations.
Gain independent living know-how
Students live at Campus View, one of the Ankeny campus’s housing units, during the work week. There, with the help of Resident Assistants, they learn life skills like:
- Personal hygiene
- Housekeeping
- Personal safety
- Living with others
- and more
In Central Iowa, STRIVE Academy is the only educational program of its kind in where students live on campus and go to school. The STRIVE Academy curriculum is technology-based; we provide a computer for each student. Students also have access to:
- On-campus activities
- The College Experience
- Individual and group counseling services to address tougher life issues
What's more, STRIVE Academy provides individual attention to help students develop their own interests, skills, and goals. The academy typically has an enrollment of 10-15 people allowing DMACC to tailor offerings to meet needs.
When self-sufficiency is the name of the game, connect with STRIVE Academy No one wants to live with their parents forever.
Want to learn more?
Schedule a tour by contacting the STRIVE Academy Representative.
Karey Palmer
kjpalmer2@dmacc.edu
515-964-6689