To be considered for the Sooner Works program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Have a documented intellectual disability (ID) as defined by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) and have received special education services with an IEP in high school.
Have completed high school and no longer be receiving K–12 services.
Be between the ages of 18–26 at the start of the program.
Serve as their own legal guardian (or obtain guardianship status before program start).
Be independent in handling daily living needs, including medication, dietary, toileting, hygiene, feeding, and dressing.
Demonstrate at least a 3rd grade reading level in comprehension and fluency.
Demonstrate basic math skills and the ability to use a calculator.
Be able to communicate consistently with others. This may include the use of assistive technology, but the student must be able to independently operate that technology.
Have sufficient emotional and independent stability to participate in all aspects of the program, including:
Attending 90-minute academic courses.
Functioning independently for at least one-hour blocks of time.
Navigating campus safely (streets, parking lots, and public spaces).
Adapting to changes in schedule, environment, or staffing without becoming overly distressed.
Demonstrate a desire to complete the Sooner Works program and adhere to program policies regarding attendance, participation, and conduct.
Express motivation to obtain inclusive employment upon completion of the program.
Actively participate in all parts of the application and interview process
Because space in the program is limited, meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an interview or admission to Sooner Works.
Inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs vary widely in their level of support and independence. Some provide intensive supervision, while others—like Sooner Works—emphasize autonomy and self-management. While individualized supports are provided, students are expected to take primary responsibility for academics, daily living, and time management. This ensures that families clearly understand our level of support before beginning the application process.
The application process helps determine whether the program’s philosophy and level of support align with the prospective student’s needs and expectations. It also allows students and families to decide if Sooner Works is the right fit for their college experience.
Before beginning the application, applicants should gather the documents that will be uploaded as part of the online application.
High school transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application stage; official transcripts will be required if a student is recommended for admission)
Most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Most recent psychological evaluation
Applicants may also include optional materials that demonstrate independence or initiative, such as:
Verification of work, volunteer, or practicum experience
Attendance or participation records from the past year
IEP transition planning documents
Resumes, certificates, or other accomplishments
Preparing these materials in advance will make the application process smoother.ts
Applicants will submit two personal statements that help the admissions committee learn more about the student’s goals, independence, and readiness for the Sooner Works experience.
Video Introduction (up to 3 minutes)
Applicants will record a short video introducing themselves. Students may choose to share:
What a typical day looks like for them
Examples of things they handle independently
A time they faced a challenge and how they worked through it
Why they are interested in the Sooner Works program
Written Essay (350–500 words)
Applicants will also submit a written personal statement describing:
Why they want to attend Sooner Works
A recent goal they set and achieved
How they manage responsibilities and challenges
The supports they expect to use at OU while remaining actively involved in their own success
Both personal statements should reflect the student’s own voice and experiences.
The application includes:
Personal and contact information
Educational background
Skills and independence inventory
Uploading supporting documents
Submission of personal statements
Estimated time to complete the application is 60–90 minutes.
Application timeline:
Application Opens: October 1, 2026
Early Action Deadline: December 1, 2026
Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2027
Two online recommendation forms are required. At least one recommender must have directly supervised the applicant in the past 12 months (e.g., teacher, counselor, job coach, supervisor).
The form includes:
A brief Personal Support Inventory
Ratings and examples of: initiative, punctuality, persistence, behavior in unstructured settings, and openness to feedback
Short concrete examples (2–3 sentences each)
Applicants waive the right to view completed recommendations to allow for honest feedback.
Once applicants complete the online application, they will receive a link to the recommendation form. Applicants should inform their recommenders in advance about the form’s purpose and encourage timely submission.
After the application and supporting materials have been reviewed, selected applicants will be invited to participate in a first-round virtual interview with the student and a panel of Sooner Works representatives.
This conversation helps the admissions committee learn more about the student’s goals, interests, and readiness for the Sooner Works experience. The interview also provides an opportunity for applicants to ask questions and learn more about the program.
Applicants who advance to the next stage will be invited to participate in an interview experience at the University of Oklahoma.
During this experience, the student will participate in discussions and short activities that reflect everyday college responsibilities. These activities help us better understand how students approach independence, organization, and problem-solving.
Examples may include:
Reviewing a sample weekly schedule and discussing how they would manage time for classes, studying, work, and activities
Identifying campus resources and how they might use them
Entering a commitment into a planner or phone calendar
Sending a short follow-up email summarizing next steps
Families will also have an opportunity to discuss how they support the student’s independence while respecting the student’s autonomy and decision-making.
After the interview process is complete, the Sooner Works admissions committee will review all materials and determine final admissions decisions.
Admissions decisions are based on several factors, including:
Alignment with the Sooner Works independence model
Evidence of motivation, initiative, and follow-through
Feedback from recommendations and interview activities
Available space in the incoming cohort
Students who are recommended for admission will receive information outlining the next steps for enrolling at the University of Oklahoma, including:
Completing university admission requirements
Securing housing
Registering with the Accessibility & Disability Resource Center
Preparing for the transition to campus life
