Longwood LIFE
Longwood LIFE is a two-year non-degree post-secondary certificate day program for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Students within the age range of 18-25 will gain the skills for independent living in a college community setting with age-appropriate peers throughout this day program.
Students are given the opportunity during this program to build a portfolio that will document experiences and progress towards the program and personal goals.
Eligibility
Students must be able to make the decision to attend Longwood University independently of their parents and caregivers.
The application process includes both an application and an interview with the Longwood LIFE admissions team.
Longwood LIFE is currently accepting applications for the fall 2024 semester.
View, Download, and Print the Longwood LIFE Application (doc)
View, Download, and Print the Longwood LIFE Flyer (pdf)
Program Focus
- Social skills
- Functional academics
- Vocational training
- Health and wellness
- Fine arts
- Literature/cultural studies
- Internship applications
Partners- In-Training
Longwood Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Longwood LIFE provides the opportunity for students across Longwood’s campus to become partners-in-training in their fields of study with the community of Longwood LIFE students. Students will experience peer mentoring and the fostering of social skills for the inclusive workplace environment.
On-Campus Job Training
All LIFE students participate in on-campus job training with Longwood special education undergraduate and graduate students, who provide support as job coaches.
Students in the Longwood LIFE program have worked in these On-Campus locations:
- Dorrill Dining Hall
- Longwood's Barnes & Noble Bookstore
- Longwood Fitness Center
- Theater Scene Shop
- Academic Affairs Office
- Andy Taylor Childcare Center
- Speech, Hearing, and Learning Center
- Longwood Athletics
- Longwood Landscaping and Grounds Department
Campus Involvement
Longwood LIFE Students
Longwood LIFE students have opportunities to get involved in the college culture and community including
- Attendance at sporting events or
- Attendance at music/theatre performances,
- Special student weekend events
- A summer camp experience
A Typical Day
Longwood LIFE Student Schedule
Independent Daily Living Skills 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Fine Arts Exploration 10:15 a.m. -11:15 a.m.
Lunch (Dorrill Dining Hall) 11:30 a.m.
Intro to Social Skills On the College Campus & Social Skills in the Workplace 12:30 p.m. -1:30 p.m.
Lifetime Activities 2:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.
On-Campus Jobs with Job Coaching 3:00 p.m.-5 p.m.
View, Download and Print an example schedule: Longwood LIFE Schedule
Support for Families
Families and guardians are invited to attend bi-weekly seminars through course offerings in the Department of Social Work.
Seminar topics include:
- Advocacy
- Case management services
- Mentoring
- Decision-making regarding
- Transition to the adult student with a disability
- Transition to independent living
- Transition to and supported living