The EMPOWER program at the University of Arkansas was recently designated a Comprehensive Transition Program through the U.S. Department of Education.

The national certification required a thorough review of the program that was established last year at the U of A.

"This is an important achievement for EMPOWER," said director Ashley Bradley. "Not only does it allow students and prospective students to access various financial aid sources, it shows confidence in our program from the U.S. Department of Education. Not all post-secondary programs like ours have the certification."

EMPOWER is a four-year, non-degree inclusive college experience program for young adults with mild intellectual disabilities. It emphasizes functional academics, independent living, pre-employment, employment, social, leisure, health and wellness skills.

Students attending an approved Comprehensive Transition Program are eligible to apply for federal financial aid, work-study positions and parent-plus loans.

EMPOWER students pay in-state tuition and fees. In addition, they pay a $5,000 per semester program fee that funds the extra support they receive.

More information is available on the EMPOWER website.