WINGS

WINGS is an inclusive postsecondary education program for students age 18 and older who want to continue learning, build independence, explore career interests and become part of a college community.

Students are GCC students who learn and participate alongside their peers while receiving personalized support from WINGS staff. The program emphasizes person-centered planning, skill development, career exploration and meaningful participation in campus life.

WINGS students:

• Take undergraduate college courses based on their interests and goals
• Explore career interests through internships and work experiences
• Develop academic, employment, interpersonal and independent-living skills
• Participate in student clubs, activities and events
• Build relationships with fellow students, staff and faculty, and become part of the GCC community
• Access GCC’s campus resources and student support services
• Meet regularly with WINGS staff for individualized advising and planning

Individualized Support

Every student has different goals. WINGS uses person-centered planning to help students identify how to make the most of their experience at GCC and develop a plan to support those goals.

Students receive skill-building support as well as regular comprehensive advising and guidance as they navigate academics, employment, social opportunities and campus life.

The WINGS Program is designed for students age 18 and older with intellectual disabilities, severe autism spectrum disorder or other significant developmental disabilities who are interested in experiencing college and becoming more independent.

To be eligible, students cannot have received a high school diploma or the equivalent (GED, HiSET). Students who are still receiving transition services through their school district are eligible to participate, even if they are expected to receive a diploma before they age-out.

Students who have aged-out of transition services and no longer receive services through their school district are eligible only if they do not have a high school diploma or equivalency (GED or HiSET).

Students do not need to pursue a traditional degree program to benefit from the college experience. WINGS is designed to help each student build an individualized college experience based on their interests, strengths and goals.