About Us

ABOUT SOONER WORKS

What is Sooner Works?

Sooner Works is an inclusive postsecondary education program at the University of Oklahoma for students with intellectual disabilities. The program offers a rigorous, student-centered college experience designed to prepare students for competitive employment, independent living, and meaningful participation in their communities. Students engage in academic coursework, internships, leadership opportunities, and campus life while building the skills, habits, and confidence needed to thrive after college.

At Sooner Works, we believe in the power of self-determination. Students are capable of directing their own lives when given the right tools, expectations, and support. Our program prepares students to navigate the world as it is while also expanding access and opportunity in higher education, employment, and community life.

PROGRAM DOMAINS

Academic Enrichment

Students engage in a fully inclusive academic experience, enrolling in traditional OU courses while receiving individualized support to maximize learning. Students audit six to nine credit hours of inclusive coursework each semester alongside degree-seeking OU peers. Each student creates an individualized plan of study based on their strengths, interests, and career goals, with guidance from an academic advisor from the Zarrow Institute. Students also enroll in one to two credit hours per semester of Sooner Works-specific curriculum focused on essential life and career skills.

Academic support is available through:

Individual academic advising and support from Zarrow Institute staff
Daily study sessions facilitated by Sooner Works staff
OU student services, including tutoring, faculty office hours, and the University Writing Center

Faculty receive training and guidance from Sooner Works staff to ensure that students have the accommodations, modifications, and resources they need to be successful in their courses.

Crimson Career Readiness

Sooner Works integrates career development throughout all four years, with a strong emphasis on real-world work experience and competitive, integrated employment.

Students participate in practicums and internships every semester, starting with job exploration and soft skill development and progressing toward work-based learning experiences in their chosen career field.
By the fourth year, students are working toward meaningful employment experience in competitive, integrated settings that align with their long-term goals.
Internship placements are customized for each student, based on their person-centered advising plan.
Students are supported in applying for paid student positions available to all OU students, further reinforcing independence and financial literacy.

The ultimate goal is for every graduate to secure competitive, integrated employment upon completion of the program.

Life and Leadership Development

Independent living is a core component of the Sooner Works experience. Our approach combines real-life practice, structured instruction, and individualized support to ensure students develop the skills they need to thrive beyond college.

Residential Experience

First-year students live in OU residence hall dorm rooms with other program participants, integrated on floors with traditional OU studentrs.
After the first year, students transition to any available off-campus housing option.
Weekly dorm-checks by Sooner Works staff support skill development for first-year students in areas such as personal hygiene, room maintenance and organization, conflict resolution and roommate communication.

Independent LIving Skills

Students participate in weekly skills labs, covering practical life skills such as grocery shopping and cooking, using public transportation, scheduling and attending medical apointments, financial literacy and budgeting.

Leadership Opportunities

Sooner Works encourages students to develop self-advocacy and leadership skills through student government involvement, campus leadership roles, public speaking, and community outreach.

Community Engagement

A fully immersive college experience is at the heart of Sooner Works. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of the 600+ student organizations, clubs, and activities available at OU.

Through person-centered advising, students explore their interested and develop cusotmized social engagement plans.
Peer Partners, a registered OU student-led led organization, pairs Sooner Works students wiht traditional OU student volunteers for attenidng campus events, plays, and athletic games, participating in club meetings and social outings, aned exploring the campus and Norman community together.
Students build meaningful, natural friendships that extend beyond the program and into their future lives.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

A Structured Path to Independence

The Sooner Works curriculum is designed as a four-year sequence that supports student growth in independence, self-awareness, leadership, and career readiness. Each year builds on the previous, with coursework that connects academic learning to real-world application.

Year 1: Belonging and Self-Discovery

Students build a strong foundation for college success by developing routines, self-awareness, and a sense of belonging on campus. Coursework focuses on goal setting, navigating campus resources, and connecting academic experiences to personal growth.

College & Career 101
Healthy Living & Relationships
First-Year Experience courses
Guided seminar with reflection and planning

Year 2: Connection

Students strengthen communication, self-advocacy, and their ability to navigate academic and community environments. Coursework emphasizes personal development, problem-solving, and active participation on campus and in the community.

Support Systems & Strategies
Advocacy in Action
Public speaking and personal development
Continued seminar with applied learning

Year 3: Application and Independence

Students begin to apply their skills in more independent settings while exploring career interests and refining their goals. Coursework emphasizes leadership, decision-making, and increased ownership of academic and personal responsibilities.

Financial Literacy
Applied Leadership
Major exploration and elective coursework
Increased independence in planning and decision-making

Year 4: Integration and Transition

Students prepare for life after college with a focus on employment, long-term independence, and future planning. Coursework supports the transition from college to adult life through practical application and individualized goal setting.

Career Seminar
Senior Capstone
Advanced coursework aligned with student goals
Transition planning for employment and independent living

Across all four years, students participate in recurring seminars that supports goal setting, reflection, and individualized planning.

OUTCOMES & GRADUATION

Program of Study

Sooner Works is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a comprehensive transition and postsecondary (CTP) program. This designation allows students to access certain types of federal financial aid and ensures their full-time student status at the University of Oklahoma.

To maintain full-time status, students engage in a structured combination of academic, career, and campus-based experiences. Contact hours include:

Audited inclusive coursework
Specialized Sooner Works courses
Advising and planning meetings
Campus and community engagement
Work-based learning experiences

A first-year student in the Sooner Works program participates in approximately 40 hours of program activities per week. Over four years, students complete an estimated 3,414 contact hours, reflecting a comprehensive and intentionally designed college experience.

Certificate in Integrated Community Studies

Students who meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) graduate from the University of Oklahoma with a Certificate in Integrated Community Studies, recognized by both the University of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students must demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) each semester to remain in the program. SAP is evaluated using both university standards and a person-centered advising approach. Students receive a formal SAP report at the end of each semester, providing clear feedback and next steps to support continued growth. Students who are not meeting expectations may be placed on a performance improvement plan. Continued lack of progress may result in academic probation or dismissal from the program.

Graduation & Commencement

Upon successful completion of the program, students graduate from the University of Oklahoma with a Certificate in Integrated Community Studies. Students fully participate in university commencement traditions, including wearing official academic regalia, participating in ceremonies, and celebrating alongside their peers. Graduates leave Sooner Works as confident, capable individuals prepared to contribute meaningfully to their careers and communities.

Have questions about eligibility, cost, or the application process? Visit our Admissions page.

OUR TEAM

Anna Barritt, Ph.D

Director

abarritt@ou.edu

Christy Jolliff, M.Ed

Academic Coordinator

christyjolliff@ou.edu

Emily Kendall, M.Ed

Employment Coordinator

Emily.A.Kendall-1@ou.edu

Rylee Murray, MSW

Student Support Coordinator

rylee.murray@ou.edu

GET IN TOUCH

Email Sooner Works (Preferred)

soonerworks@ou.edu

Call Sooner Works

(405) 325-4543

Support Sooner Works

Sooner Works is a self-sustaining program supported primarily through participant program fees, with additional investment from grants and philanthropic partners. As the program continues to grow, donor support plays an important role in expanding access and enhancing opportunities for students.

If you are interested in supporting Sooner Works, please consider making a gift using the button below. You will be directed to the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education Giving Page. Once there, be sure to select the Sooner Works Fund to ensure your gift directly supports our program. All donations are tax deductible and directly support program initiatives and student scholarships.