LifePrep@Naz
LifePrep@Naz is an innovative program designed to provide students with intellectual and developmental disabilities with a college experience, strengthening their life skills, vocational skills, self-sufficiency, and independence. Created through the collaborative relationship among Nazareth, Victor Central School District, and The Arc of Monroe, the LifePrep@Naz program thrives on the passion and commitment of all involved parties.
Through campus employment, Nazareth students serve as mentors to the LifePrep students, providing consistent peer-to-peer interaction. The mentors assist and support LifePrep students in LifePrep and Nazareth classes, and accompany them to lunch, as well as their on-campus and off-campus vocational experiences.
LifePrep students are fully immersed in campus life, including but not limited to:
- Enrollment in a Nazareth course,
- Involvement in clubs & organizations,
- Attendance at college functions and athletic events,
- Internship on campus, and
- Participation in Commencement upon completion of the LifePrep program.
Interviews with LifePrep Students
What's your favorite part of being a Naz student?
RC: All the different stuff we do, everyone is very friendly.
Laura: Lots and lots of independence, being able to choose what I want to do.
Katie S.: I think it's really great. I love my Naz class and getting to hang out with other students.
What's your favorite part of having a mentor?
RC: They are very helpful and a lot of fun. She helps with my homework and notes in class.
Laura: They help me with my homework and go to class with me- it's a lot of fun.
Katie S.: Spending time with her. She's able to take notes for me. I really enjoy going to class with her.
What's your favorite part of the LifePrep program?
RC: It's very active, we never have to just sit around and listen all day. I like Professor M's class the best (LCE-Life Centered Experience).
Laura: The social interaction. I enjoy hanging out with other LifePrep students, especially David.
Katie S.: My job- I work in the bookstore. I really like helping them get ready for the holidays.
Eligibility
For information regarding eligibility, acceptance criteria, and applications for LifePrep,:
Tours
Tours of LifePrep are offered twice a year, in October and January.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
LifePrep@Naz is an approved pathway for Experiential Learning, which is one component of the Uncommon Core at Naz.
Day of Service
Life Prep students and Naz mentors participate in the fall Orientation's Day of Service.
Interested in Becoming a Mentor?
The 6 Duties of a LifePrep@Naz Mentor
Classroom Aide:
- Educating LifePrep Students (LPS) on campus
- Where to find what's on campus
- The ins and outs of the buildings
- Questions and concerns about classes/campus
Nazareth Class Ambassador:
- Walk to class with the LPS
- Assist with best seating arrangement in class for the LPS
- Help get books organized
- Understand syllabi layout
- Remind to write down assignments in planner
- Assist in taking notes, if needed
Study Partner:
- Share study strategies and tips for effective study habits
- Assist with organization of assignments
- Provide positive feedback
- Discuss the LPS's classes and homework
Social Buddy:
- Introduce to other Naz students/friends of yours
- Attend/Invite them to a club meeting with you
- Go to a Naz sporting event or Arts Center event together
- Exchange phone numbers in case of questions
Job Coach:
- Walk to their vocational location with them
- See if they have any questions/concerns
- Debrief after each shift
- Ask them to share with you what they did that day
Off-Campus Job Coach:
- Travel with the LPS to their job placement within the community
- Encourage independence and provide guidance at work
- Provide a next-step learning experience before graduation
Naz students: Who to contact
LifePrep is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified student mentors. As part of this commitment, LifePrep will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment as a student mentor, please contact Nuala Boyle.