Makor College Experience

What is the Makor College Experience?

The Makor College Experience is a three-year, non-degree program for young men (typically aged 18 to 25) with Intellectual Disability on the Wilf campus of Yeshiva University in Washington Heights. The Makor College Experience (MCE) provides individuals with Intellectual Disability the opportunity to be part of the YU community while gaining skills and exploring opportunities as they transition to lives of independence. 

Who runs the Makor College Experience?

The MCE is technically a “Day Hab without Walls” program operated by Makor Care and Services Network (formerly known as Women’s League Community Residences), a lifespan social services organization supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities since 1978. Makor approached Yeshiva University with the idea of opening a college experience program and the two institutions have worked in partnership to make this program a reality.

What is a day at the MCE like?

The day begins with Jewish studies in the morning and continues with general studies in the afternoon. In addition to the many social opportunities for integration with YU students, MCE participants have self-contained classes, exposing students to religious studies, the liberal arts, and planning for their futures after the program. The afternoon portion of the program places a heavy emphasis on vocational exploration, with Year One focusing on prevocational and job readiness skills; Year Two focusing on professionalism and off-campus career exploration outings; and Year Three focusing on concrete futures planning and resume building. Career planning is developed with the assistance of the students’ advisement faculty and our Vocational Coordinator based on personal interest, skills and abilities, and employment potential.

Do MCE students earn a degree?

No, the MCE is a non-degree program. Students who complete the program requirements will graduate with a Certificate of Completion, a resume, and a reference letter for future employment.

What sort of student is appropriate for the MCE?

The typical MCE student should be eager to continue his formal education after high school; have a strong motivation to learn and gain skills; be excited to become involved in campus life; and should be able to independently enjoy campus life with minimal supervision. To be eligible for the program, a student must: 1) Have a diagnosed intellectual or developmental disability; and 2) have a history of special education and/or State funded services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities; and 3) have attended a high school program designed for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Are inclusion and social opportunities a part of this program?

Inclusion and social opportunities are very much a part of the MCE. Our participants have access to University resources and events; learn in the beis medrish; and participate in campus clubs and activities. MCE students attend daily prayer with YU students and are generally a part of the YU community.

Is there a residential component to the program?

The Makor College Experience includes a residential component, although this aspect of the program is not mandatory and acceptance into the Makor Dorm is separate from, and not guaranteed by, acceptance into the College Experience. Please understand that that we cannot provide transportation for students who choose to commute.

Are meals provided?

No. As with most colleges, meals are not provided by the program. You may, however, take part in the YU meal plan if you wish by purchasing a meal plan through the University.

How is the program funded?

For New York State residents eligible for services through the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), some or all of the tuition costs can be covered through a combination of Day Habilitation, Supplemental Day Habilitation, Respite, and Community Habilitation funds. For Out-of-State students, the Makor College Experience is a tuition-based program. Note that financial aid is based 100% on private fundraising and may not be available (no Yeshiva University financial aid opportunities are available for participants of this program). Staff from Makor will work with families and service coordinators to see what funding and assistance may be available, and financial need should not preclude potential program participant from seeking more information. Costs for the housing component of the program are typically covered through a combination of private-pay, fundraising, and agency resources.

To apply to the Makor College Experience, please click the above Apply Now button.

For more information on the Makor College Experience, please contact Dr. Stephen Glicksman, Director of Clinical Innovation at Makor, at 347-390-1315 or sglicksman@makorDS.org.