Project F.O.C.U.S.
We are 100% Inclusive, 100% Rebels
ҳ| 鶹ýӳ Project F.O.C.U.S.
Project F.O.C.U.S. is a comprehensive post-secondary education program for Southern Nevada's adult college-aged students with intellectual/developmental disabilities, including young adults with autism. The program provides an inclusive, accessible, and productive career education program by incorporating evidence-based research and positive behavior supports that promote self-determination, community partnerships, and job readiness skills. Our goal is to prepare individuals with intellectual disabilities for competitive, paid employment and independent living in an inclusive community setting.
Goals
Participants of FOCUS will be able to participate in inclusive college courses based on their individual interests. These classes may pertain directly to their future career or they may be courses that can be taken as electives.
To support individualized academics, the project will:
- Use person-centered planning to design individualized programs of studies based on each individual’s interests, preferences, and needed supports.
- Use person-centered planning to develop an individualized program of study that is related to the employment goals of the FOCUS participant.
- Build interdisciplinary partnerships within the UNLV campus community that will support the individual interests of each FOCUS participant.
- Provide a certificate of completion that is recognized in the local community.
Similar to academics, participants of FOCUS will be provided with support to find and experience a career that is of interest.
To support inclusive employment, the project will:
- Develop individualized job training and self-advocacy skills for project participants to find meaningful and person-centered competitive employment in the community.
- Establish community and campus partnerships that will provide internships, employment opportunities or training, and/or competitive wages.
- Establish national, state, and local agency supports that can provide ongoing job coaching services if necessary.
- Provide scaffolds of support through FOCUS volunteers in order to develop independence of desired employment.
Independent living skills will be addressed during the duration of each student’s program. These skills will be based on each participant’s needs, will be planned accordingly, and will be taught in a natural and inclusive environment.
To support individualized independent living, the project will:
- Continue to develop age-appropriate academic, functional, and social skills by promoting self-determination skills through participation of inclusive academic and campus opportunities.
- Continue to informally develop functional independent living skills needed for each individual’s environment through person-centered planning.
- Continue to develop functional independent living skills through inclusive continuing education courses.
- Support components of independent living, as needed, through FOCUS volunteers and inclusive functional activities.
Announcements
Events
Admission
Those interested in applying for the FOCUS program are encouraged to call or email us to set up a time to meet. Because the program is entirely person-centered, we feel it is best to meet with families and individuals before beginning the application process.
Call us at 702-895-1749 or send us an email at focus@unlv.edu to schedule a time to come in and meet our team.
Cost Information
Like all college students, Project F.O.C.U.S. students at UNLV are responsible for tuition. Tuition varies based on the number of credits a student takes and fees associated with courses.
| Tuition per semester* | $2,000-$3,000 |
|---|---|
| FOCUS program fee* | $3,450 |
| Total cost per semester* | $5,450-$6,450 |
**Total fees are projections and actual costs may vary and are subject to change.
Ready to FOCUS?
Before you begin the application process, please view and download the application instructions here. Once you have met with our team and are ready to apply, please fill out the and/or (optional) online.
Project F.O.C.U.S. at a Glance
Support Project F.O.C.U.S.
Volunteer
In order to support our students, FOCUS is always looking for volunteers. Our volunteers play an integral part in the FOCUS program because they provide students with even more inclusive opportunities to socialize and interact with the UNLV community. Volunteers will help to create positive experiences for FOCUS students through hanging out around campus and attending various social events. This experience is recommended for all those interested in working with students with disabilities, but particularly those currently enrolled in related service programs.
If you’d like to become a volunteer, please fill out the application below.
Donate
Your donations help to make post-secondary education possible for our young adults with autism and intellectual disability.
If you would like to donate online, please follow these simple steps:
- Go to the UNLV Foundation website (link below)
- Under “Designation” select PROJECT FOCUS from the drop-down list.
- Enter the amount and payment information
- Click “Donate Now”
Contact Us
Project F.O.C.U.S.
4505 S. Maryland Parkway Box 453014
Las Vegas, NV 89154-3014
CEB 115
Phone: 702-895-1749
Email: focus@unlv.edu
Partners
Boyd Gaming
Trop Hop Scott