Project EXCELL
Project EXCELL provides personal enrichment and life skill classes to adults 18 years and older with developmental disabilities. EXCELL strives to give these students a college-like experience. It also provides the opportunity for EXCELL students and Kansas State University students to grow and learn through interactions with each other. The program has a profound impact on the lives of the participants, allowing them to participate in the community and experience a college environment.
EXCELL offers Saturday morning classes in fall and spring semesters on the K-State campus. Students come as far as an hour’s drive to participate in this program.
The program is divided into two five-week sessions each semester. Class topics vary each session and include subjects such as math, geography, reading enhancement, fitness, art, social skills and finances. The topics are chosen to provide educational enrichment, expand life skills and create opportunities for social engagement.
The program is designed to help students feel part of the university campus. Each student receives a special K-State ID card with the program name. Volunteer K-State faculty members and students work with the students each week.
Dates for Spring 2017
Session 3:
Project Information
EXCELL has four main objectives
- making personal enrichment and life-enhancing classes available to individuals 18 years and older who have mild developmental disabilities or other cognitive disabilities;
- making educational offerings accessible to a population that might not otherwise be able to participate in the college environment.;
- giving students in the program the opportunity to develop and interact socially as well as academically; and
- serving as a learning laboratory for traditional K-State students in the special education program.
EXCELL is divided into two, five-week sessions, with classes held on Saturday mornings. Each student takes one course per session, and instructors from K-State and from the community who have special education experience are hired as instructors. Classes include topics such as Money Management, Science, Social Studies and Geography, Art, Music, Job skills, resume writing and interview skills, and functional reading.
Classes are generally held from 9:00 – 11:30 am in the K-State Student Union.
Traditional college students, interested in learning more about the field of special education, serve as Student Ambassadors in the program. Around thirty traditional K-State students volunteer each semester. These Student Ambassadors provide assistance in mobility and finding classrooms, assist with lesson plans and interact with EXCELL students during break times. This enhances social and leisure skills while making new friendships that could last a lifetime. Others from the community are also welcome to volunteer.
This project is funded through grants and student fees.
EXCELL Collaboration
Three school districts, UFM, Vocational Rehabilitation and Kansas State University work together on this project.
K-State students volunteer as class assistants and mentors each semester.
Transportation is provided by sponsoring agencies, family members or volunteers.
The K-State Student Union provides the facilities and issues a specially designed K-State ID card.
Class instructors are recruited from special education faculty in area school districts or local volunteers.
Donations Welcome
Excell needs your donation to keep this program alive. Click the link below to make your donation today. Thank you!
K-State Student Mentor Ambassadors
Traditional college students, interested in learning more about the field of special education as well as other majors, serve as Student Ambassadors in the program. Around thirty traditional K-State students volunteer each semester. These Student Ambassadors provide assistance in mobility and finding classrooms, assist with lesson plans and interact with EXCELL students during break times. This enhances social and leisure skills while making new friendships that could last a lifetime.