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.
Sooner Works at the University of Oklahoma is a highly inclusive, four-year certificate program designed for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This program provides young adults the opportunity to fully engage in a vibrant college experience alongside their peers while receiving personalized support to foster independence and prepare for competitive employment.
While individualized guidance is provided, Sooner Works is not a 24/7 supervision program. Students are afforded significant freedom and downtime, much like traditional OU students, and are expected to manage their time and responsibilities. This includes attending classes, participating in internships, and engaging in social activities. All students must adhere to the OU Student Code of Conduct, demonstrating maturity and accountability in managing their personal and academic lives.
Sooner Works is designed for students who are motivated to manage their time, follow through on responsibilities, and seek help appropriately. Students are expected to navigate campus life with growing independence while using available supports.
Our inclusive approach emphasizes autonomy, self-determination, and real-world preparation. Sooner Works encourages students to take initiative, seek support when needed, and actively participate in their own success. The program is centered on four key pillars:
Academic Enrichment: Students participate in courses aligned with their interests and career aspirations.
Crimson Career Readiness: Structured internships and employment experiences help build essential workplace skills.
Life & Leadership Development: Support in daily living skills and residential life fosters greater independence.
4. Campus & Community Engagement: Students engage in a wide array of social and community inclusion opportunities.
1. ONLINE APPLICATION
Complete the application form through the Sooner Works Qualtrics link. This form will include personal information, academic history, and documentation of intellectual disability. The application is estimated to take 60-90 minutes to complete. The application form opens October 1, 2025. The deadline for early action is December 1, 2025.
Supporting Documentation
Applicants must upload the following supporting documents as part of their application:
Personal Statements
VIDEO
Applicants will be asked to submit a 3-minute video that responds to the following prompt:
Show us a bit of your day. What do you handle independently (getting ready, meals, transportation, school/work)? Tell us about a time you kept going when something was hard and what you did.
ESSAY
Applicants will be asked to write a 500-word essay that responds to the following prompt:
Why Sooner Works, and why now? Describe one recent goal you set and accomplished. How did you plan your time, what obstacles came up, and what did you do when you got stuck? What supports will you use at OU, and how will you take the lead?
RECOMMENDATIONS
Applicants are required to request two individuals who know them well to complete an online recommendation form. These individuals may include teachers, mentors, or other professionals who can speak to the applicant's strengths, abilities, and readiness for the Sooner Works program. The recommendation form is a critical part of the application process as it provides insights into the applicant's suitability for the program, particularly their emotional stability, maturity, and desire for independence.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
Who should complete the recommendation form?
Applicants must choose two individuals who are familiar with their personal and academic performance. These could be current or former teachers, counselors, job coaches, or other mentors.
What does the recommendation form include?
The form asks the recommender to answer specific questions about the applicant’s ability to thrive in the Sooner Works program. This is not a traditional letter of recommendation. Recommenders will complete an online form that includes a Personal Support Inventory and several open-ended questions about the applicant’s strengths, challenges, and readiness for the transition to college life.
Confidentiality:
The applicant will waive their right to view the completed recommendation forms. This ensures that all responses remain confidential and provides an honest assessment of the applicant’s potential.
How to request recommendations:
Once applicants have identified their two recommenders, they should send them the link to the online recommendation form. The link will be sent to the applicant’s email upon completion of the online application. Applicants are encouraged to inform their recommenders ahead of time about the form and the purpose of the recommendation, so they can complete it thoughtfully and in a timely manner.
2. INTERVIEW
Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an in-person or virtual interview. Both the student and their family will participate in this meeting, during which we will discuss the student’s goals, interests, and readiness for the program.
Family Expectations
During the interview, we will meet with families to outline their evolving role as the student gains independence. Sooner Works emphasizes autonomy and self-management in academics, living, and time management. Students are given significant freedom and are expected to manage their own responsibilities. Families should prepare to step back from advocacy roles, empowering the student to make decisions and solve challenges on their own. We will discuss how families can best support this journey by encouraging independence, guiding complex decisions, and respecting the student’s autonomy.
3. ADMISSIONS DECISION
Admissions decisions are made based on the strength of the application, interview, and the program’s capacity. Accepted students will receive a formal acceptance letter along with next steps for enrollment. Sooner Works will guide applicants through the following steps in their transition to the University of Oklahoma, including completing university admission requirements, applying for housing, enrolling in classes, and preparing for the start of their college experience.
For more detailed information about applying to Sooner Works, reference the Application and Admissions Guide.
