Wade Westrick spends his summers hanging out with family and friends, loves playing Monopoly, and he’s even met star quarterback Brett Favre. Currently, Wade has a big goal-getting his own apartment. At Boise State, Wade is receiving support and learning new skills so he can become more independent by earning a certificate in Community and Career Readiness Studies while participating in the Providing Exceptional Education and Raising Standards (PEERS) program. This unique program is offered through in the department of Early and Special Education at Boise State.
Boise State’s PEERS program is the only program in Idaho to offer a State Board of Education approved undergraduate certificate for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students in PEERS take Boise State classes for credit and are supported by university faculty, program staff and student allies. The two-year program uses a person-centered planning approach to help students achieve their goals and contribute to their community as citizens and in the workplace.
If you or someone you know would benefit from the PEERS program and are interested in earning an undergraduate certificate while obtaining college credit and learning new skills, applications are due by January 1st. Cohorts begin each fall semester.