What is Project SAINT?
Project SAINT is an official Florida Post- Secondary Comprehensive Transition Program (FPCTP), recognized by the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities.
Housed in the Adult Education Department at Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus, Project SAINT stands for Student Access and INclusion Together. The name SAINT reflects the college’s team name, the Santa Fe Saints, as well as the program’s emphasis on "inclusion together". SAINT students receive the part-time support of SF student mentors whether in classes, on internships or participating in campus activities.
Project SAINT = Inclusion
Inclusion is the central concept in Project SAINT. SAINT students attend classes, participate in internships on and off campus, join campus clubs, enjoy a wide range of student activities and events, and have access to all campus facilities, such as the SF Teaching Zoo and the SF Kika Silva Pla Planetarium. They do all of this along-side other SF students.
Who We Are
Project SAINT is a small, selective, intensive, modified (non-credit) college experience for young adults under age 25 who have intellectual disabilities. SAINT students create a personal plan of 20 hours weekly of academics, vocational preparation and internships, independent living modules, and campus engagement and involvement. Access to mastery of assistive technology is also central to students’ plans
What We Offer
- Participation in a range of SF classes
- Continuing education, adult education and community education options
- Enrollment in career development classes and workshops
- Participation in job internships
- Engagement in campus clubs and activities
- Accessing the wide range of SF facilities including the Zoo, Planetarium, Gym, Fine Arts Hall, Library, and more.
About Project SAINT and the STAR Plan
Young adult students with intellectual disabilities who are accepted into the selective Project SAINT will find a small, inclusive, multi-faceted and modified college program. SAINT schedules combine Adult Education, General Education, Community Education and access to the vast resources of the Santa Fe College. The Project SAINT program also provides job readiness, on the job internships, industry recognized certifications and job placement assistance.
Project SAINT is a one to two year program. Each SAINT student's program is personally tailored via a student-driven STAR plan (Students Transitioning to Adult Roles) related to his or her goals and interests.
The overarching goal of Project SAINT is to to provide a complete "wrap-around" program that addresses a student's life plans for independence through academics, career preparation, independent living skills, campus and community engagement and self-determination.
The primary desired outcome of Project SAINT is job readiness, preparation, and placement.
Project SAINT is designed to support students with intellectual disabilities in the following essential ways:
- By providing a modified and supported college experience that is fully integrated with other SF students in all areas: academic, social and community.
- By developing an individualized student-centered plan of 20 hours weekly for each enrollee that reflects his or her goals and interests and that is focused on successful transition, independent living and employment as key goals.
- By providing a wide range of support for success including mentorship, assistive technology and accommodations and an ongoing advising component.
Eligibility
SAINT applicants must have a documented diagnosis and meet the IQ criteria for an intellectual disability. They are young adults in transition generally under the age of 25 who want a modified, inclusive non credit and non degree college experience. They are seeking skills that will build their independence, and want ultimately to live and work independently. They are able to communicate effectively, are highly motivated and hard working, can get to and from the campus and are able to navigate it independently. They look forward to and are ready for the challenges of a college environment including a full schedule of classes, internships and activities surrounded by college peers. SAINT applicants are selected for admission based on success in an initial Adult Education class or classes.
How To Apply
Students interested in Project SAINT first apply to Adult Education at SF. Adult Education requires application to SF, an orientation, a 30 dollar fee (per term), TABE testing (Test of Adult Basic Education) and placement in Adult Education classes. The Adult Education Department provides flexible scheduling; small, inclusive academic classes; contextualized certificate bearing vocational pathway classes; career counseling and advisement. For many students who have disabilities, Adult Education is the ideal fit for their needs and schedules, and is their final destination at SF.
For others, the more intensive Project SAINT may be an even better fit. After a trial period in Adult Education, these students may request consideration for Project SAINT or be recommended for Project SAINT. Applications for SAINT are accepted on a rolling basis, with entry fall or spring terms based on available openings and eligibility. The SAINT application procedure includes a detailed questionnaire, documentation, a student essay, references and applicant and parent/guardian interviews. A committee then decides on acceptance.
Cost
Project SAINT is an approved Florida Comprehensive Transition Program (FCTP) and students are supported by scholarships made available by Florida state legislation and the Florida Center for Unique Learners. Base fees are currently covered by these scholarships for students enrolled in approved FCTP programs. These fees cover the base costs associated with Project SAINT that include up to 10 hours of mentorship weekly, mentor coordination, internships, mini audits, and SAINT workshops. Other Adult Education grants cover the base costs of Adult Education classes, certification-bearing classes and materials. Additional fees for SAINT students include Adult Education fees of 30 dollars per term, fees for any optional full SF audits, costs of optional continuing or community education classes, additional books/materials, travel and food. However, the student scholarships assist with defraying all of these optional costs. Project SAINT students may also attend recommended conferences during the year that are covered by grants.
HAP and AEP Programs
In fall 2017, Project SAINT received an enhancement grant to support two new one-year Project SAINT entrepreneurial pathways: Horticulture Agriculture Pathway (HAP) in coordination with the non-profit Gainesville GROWHUB; and Artist Entrepreneur Pathway (AEP).
Students with particular interests and skills in gardening, horticulture and agriculture or who have artistic talents may apply for and be considered for either one of these 12-hour weekly one year scholarship eligible programs that include hands-on and professional guidance from a horticulture specialist for HAP and from guest and professional artists for AEP. Students learn academic skills wrapped around contextualized classes that lead to certifications in safe food handling (HAP) and customer service (AEP). They develop and practice their "on the job" skills, engage in entrepreneurship/sales, and do this all in inclusive classes.
Project SAINT Resources
Contact
For more information, contact the Project SAINT Program Administrator.