Sooner Works Becomes CTP Certified
Sooner Works Becomes CTP Certified
The Sooner Works program at the University of Oklahoma has been certified as a comprehensive training program by the U.S. Department of Education. Sooner Works is four-year residential program for students with intellectual disabilities, placing them alongside students in traditional classes, while also taking specialized courses to expand life skills and internships. OU is the first college in Oklahoma and Texas to receive certification.
The program is led by Professor Kendra Williams-Diehm and Assistant Director of Postsecondary Education Mindy Lingo, Ph.D. To become a CTP, the school had to complete an extensive application verifying the students participating in the program are enrolled in regular credit-bearing courses with their non-disabled peers for more than half of their academic course loads, receive specialized instruction in independent living and person-centered planning, and participate in internships or job training in inclusive settings.
The application was completed by the Sooner Works staff and OU’s Student Financial Aid office, then submitted to the U.S. Department of Education for approval. Becoming a CTP allows the students to apply for financial aid to help with the cost of attending college. The aid is need-based and can be offered through Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant and Federal Work-Study programs.
“To our parents, post-secondary education options are fairly new,” Lingo said. “So, a lot of our families weren’t aware that this was an option, so they don’t have that college savings that a lot of families do. This CTP has allowed another resource for them to access some financial help.”
Currently there are 10 students in the Sooner Works program, now in its second year.
“The students are thriving and keeping our office very busy,” Lingo said. “They are doing great and love OU. They have adapted especially well, considering all the hardships students are facing during the COVID pandemic.”