Work and College Opportunities

(W.A.C.O.)

Cheryl Grenwelge, Ph.D.

• The WACO program is a 6-week program held in the summer for young adults with a disability.
• Participants receive development and instruction in professionalism, self-determination, self-advocacy, teamwork, assistive technology, independent living skills, and other related areas connected to employment and college attendance while participating in a paid work experience.

Work and College Opportunities

(W.A.C.O.)

6 Week Summer Work And College Opportunities Training

These two options run concurrently

BRAZOS VALLEY CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING (BVCIL)

• Job matching & skills training
• Transportation
• Time tracking & Payroll
• Job coaching & Accommodations

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TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY (TAMU)

TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION & CENTER ON DISABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT

• College Courses (TAMU & BLINN)
• Mentors
• Evening Activities

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• Bridge between both work & college
• Support needs that are not succinctly work or college
• Funding & support for each participant
• Coordination with regional VR counselors

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Agency Roles

TWC VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES (VR)

Criss Cole – Independent Living Instruction and IT Support

Jeanne Nielson and Rebecca Muzquiz

Week 1 Schedule

Week 1 Schedule Includes:

• Orientation and Mobility Training
• Kitchen Safety Training
• 20 Hours of Vocational Adjustment Training (BVCIL)
• Disability Services Presentation
• Orientation to Canvas (College Online Platform)
• Evening Mentor Meetings

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Week 2-5 Schedule

TAMU College Team

WACO Courses/Classes:

• Horticulture
• Professionalism
• Self-Determination
• Healthy Relationships
• Blinn Classes (Opportunity to Audit Blinn Class)

Employment (BVCIL)

• Work-based learning site based on participant interest
• 20 Hours of Vocational Adjustment Training week 1
• 20 Hours of work per week starting week 2 thru 5
• Participants receive a paycheck weekly or biweekly

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Culture Night

• Team planning for meals
• Evening meeting (independent living)
• Social Hour

Role of Mentors

• Support in class
• Provide support out of class

Parent Meeting

• Held once per week virtually

Work and College Opportunities

(W.A.C.O.)

2021

Horticultural Options in Plant Sciences

(H.O.P.S.)

• The HOPS Project is a two semester (approximately 32 weeks) training program.
• The purpose of the program is to provide instruction and support to individuals with disabilities to gain the necessary skills and experiences in work readiness in order to successfully transition into competitive integrated employment in the horticulture industry.

Horticultural Options in Plant Sciences

(H.O.P.S.)

• During the fall semester, students take various horticulture courses with hands-on experience (lab sections). These courses cover all components of horticulture — science, art, business, and engineering. Additionally, they take professionalism class, and study skills class, driving skills and other independent living skills classes with the Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living (BVCIL). Students’ schedules mirror the academic schedule of the greater university.

Horticultural Options in Plant Sciences

(H.O.P.S.)

• During the spring semester, students take credential training classes and participate in practicum in the field of their choice.

Horticultural Options in Plant Sciences

(H.O.P.S.)

BRAZOS VALLEY CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING (BVCIL)

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY (TAMU)

TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION & CENTER ON DISABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT

TWC VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES (VR)

Partners

Fall Semester Schedule�Floral Design Track

Fall Semester Schedule�Landscape Management/Greenhouse Nursey Track

Spring Semester Schedule

Industry Recognized Credentials

• Floral Design
• Greenhouse/Nursery
• Landscape Management

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Supports

Wraparound Supports Include:

• Individualized case management
• Mentors (college students)
• Independent Living Classes
• Transportation Training
• Assistive Technology Training

Pre-Requisites

• Must be a high school graduate or equivalent
• WACO application and acceptance
• Successful Completion of WACO (Pass/Fail)
• HOPS application and acceptance

Application Instructions

• Participants must be 18 years of age by the start of the summer WACO program
• Application will open in October 2021, and complete applications must be submitted and received by February 2022.
• Find program information and application on Center on Disability and Development website

WACO: https://cdd.tamu.edu/education/waco-project/

HOPS: https://cdd.tamu.edu/education/hops-program/

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Horticultural Options in Plant Sciences

(H.O.P.S.)

2021

CONTACT

Dr. Xuan (Jade) Wu

jade.wu@ag.tamu.edu

Shelbi Davenport

shelbi.davenport@ag.tamu.edu

THANKS