Program & Admissions / Occupational Programs

Shepherds College is a three-year post-secondary educational program that assists young adults with intellectual disabilities in successfully transitioning from school to work, and from home to independent living.

We are one of only a few resources for students with intellectual disabilities in the nation. Students at Shepherds College receive education, skills training and support to successfully bridge the gap from school and home to Appropriate Independence.

Along with studies in Culinary Arts, Technology and Horticulture, Shepherds College offers a general education program that is focused on helping the students develop skills they will need for everyday life. This curriculum contains five main categories of learning:

• Functional Academic Skills
• Mobility Skills
• Spiritual Life
• Daily Living Skills
• Social/Emotional Skills

The Functional Academic classes are practical in nature, reviewing and then building on the aptitude each student possesses within the areas of:

• Language Arts
• Math and Money Skills
• Computer Skills
• Career Skills

Like the other components of the Shepherds College program, the intent of these classes is to assist students in their personal transition and pursuit of Appropriate Independence in their work, home, and social life.

“Your program, from my very, very thorough research of programs for Daniela, is the most complete, by far, in providing everything to make each student reach the highest quality of life and independence for them. We are more and more certain that Shepherd's College is where we want Daniela to go. I think she would gain tremendously in so many areas of her life.”—Christina Goldstone