Program Values

  • Learning is for everyone (LIFE).
  • Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities CAN engage in and DO benefit from higher education learning.
  • College is a path to self-determination, independence and competitive employment for all students. 
  • An inclusive college environment benefits the campus and broader community by raising expectations of all learners, improving teaching methods to include Universal Design for Learning, and providing educated and skilled workers to meet the needs of community businesses.

Program Goals

  • CREATE a fully inclusive campus community at MSU with high expectations of success for all learners.
  • FACILITATE ENGAGEMENT in campus events to encourage social connections and create community belonging.
  • PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES to develop independence and self-determination through choices, decision-making, problem solving, and goal setting.
  • OFFER ON-CAMPUS HOUSING to enhance the college experience and gain independent living skills.
  • PREPARE STUDENTS for meaningful competitive employment upon graduation.

Student Outcomes

  • Become lifelong learners.
  • Develop self-determination to achieve individual life goals.
  • Gain knowledge by auditing classes of interest.
  • Expand social networks and develop authentic peer relationships by engaging in campus events.
  • Explore careers and gain job skills by engaging in career development enrichment throughout the program.
  • Earn the MSU LIFE Scholars Certificate and obtain a competitive, meaningful job upon graduation!

 

A LIFE Scholars student studying with a peer partner

Students identify a career path and audit 1-4 MSU or Gallatin College classes each semester to gain knowledge in their areas of interest. LIFE Scholars staff advise students and connect them with supports for success.

Certificate Requirement: Successfully audit a minimum of 20 credits of classes. 

Three LIFE Scholars at the MSU Rodeo

Students HAVE FUN and GET INVOLVED on campus with their fellow scholars and peers. They choose what activities and events to attend based on their interests (e.g., attend a game, have lunch in the SUB, go to the rodeo, dance at the Hapner Formal, join a club, hang out with their friends). 

Certificate Requirement: Attend and document a minimum of 72 social campus events (12 each semester).

 

A group of young students listening to a teacher read a book

Students engage in career development enrichment each year:

Year 1: Interest inventories and job shadowing

Year 2: Service projects and part-time campus jobs

Year 3: Fall and spring internships using the  Project SEARCH internship modelto gain marketable and transferable skills in the chosen career path.

 Interns graduate with a Career Portfolio and skills to obtain meaningful, community employment.

Certificate Requirement:  Participate in both fall and spring internships during the 3rd program year and attend a daily Employability Skills class.

 

MSU's Commitment

As a land grant university, MSU is committed to widening access to higher education and ensuring equality of opportunity for all; committed to inclusion, social justice, equity, and diversity by creating and sustaining an environment that welcomes, respects and nurtures all students, staff, faculty and community; and believes that a more diverse and inclusive institution will contribute to the highest level of excellence that ultimately benefits all members of the university community in becoming outstanding citizens and leaders in local and global communities.