A two-year, accredited, faith-based post-secondary program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), built on Shepherds College’s proven model and mission.
What Is Empowered for Life?
Empowered for Life is an accredited, two-year commuter post-secondary program for young adults with Intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a branch campus model owned and operated by Shepherds, it can be brought to communities where the right partners and local support are in place to launch and sustain it.
Our Four Pillars of Training
Faith Journey
Spiritual growth through biblical teaching, discipleship, and community engagement.
Life Skills
Practical daily living skills that build confidence and appropriate independence.
Personal Development
Growth in communication, emotional awareness, leadership, and social relationships.
Job Readiness
Career exploration, skill development, internships, and employment preparation.
Program Highlights
- Grounded in Shepherds College’s mission and proven approach
- Offers courses based on the educational philosophy of Appropriate Independence and focused on SC’s Four Pillars of Training
- Commuter day program that meets Monday–Friday (9:00AM–3:00 PM)
- Four 9 or 10-week terms per year (32 courses over two years)
- Full-time enrollment preferred; part-time enrollment available as space allows
- Successful completion of at least 80% of the program’s coursework may provide a pathway to one full year of credit at Shepherds College in Union Grove, Wisconsin
