Our Crowdfunding Groups
Update: We can't thank you all enough. The generosity you have shown Project FOCUS has been incredible. With your help we were able to reach and surpass our goal. From everyone at Project FOCUS, we say THANK YOU!
Please check in with us by visiting our website. We will have program activities and updates (as we improve our website:) moving forward.
UNLV’s Project F.O.C.U.S. (Forming Occupational and Community Understanding for Success) is a postsecondary education program that provides an avenue to college (and work) for young adults with intellectual disability and Autism.
College is an exciting time for many young adults and should be an option for anyone over the age of 18 that is interested. Unfortunately, in the past, students with intellectual disability and Autism were not provided an inclusive college experience in Las Vegas, and could only access college by listening to the experiences of other’s. Many young adults with intellectual disability and Autism are often prepared to work sub-minimum wage jobs and given careers that are chosen by other people. Unlike the past, F.O.C.U.S was created to provide opportunity and choices! At project F.O.C.U.S., we know that college is not for everyone, but if it is, we want to help provide assistance towards inclusive coursework, competitive integrated employment, and inclusive social experiences for our Las Vegas young adults with intellectual disability and Autism.
Groundwork for the program began in 2013 and the first student was admitted in the Spring of 2015. During the past year, Project F.O.C.U.S. has accepted 5 additional students and has received applications from 13 more. Currently, the young adults in F.O.C.U.S. have participated in over a dozen fully inclusive college courses, worked in various career internships (e.g., Women’s Volleyball team, Men’s Football Team, and the UNLV Preschool), and participated in a number of inclusive, social activities (PEP band, game night, UNLV drama). F.O.C.U.S. takes pride in providing students numerous INCLUSIVE opportunities to interact with their same age peers across all activities.
The F.O.C.U.S. program is intensive and has “a lot of moving parts.” Since everyone has different needs, the program is tailored on an individual basis and requires various types of support. Your donations will help our program continue to thrive and will support young adults with intellectual disability and Autism to become productive working members of the Las Vegas Community. Below are just some of the examples of what your donation will go towards:
Remember any dollar amount will help individuals with intellectual disability and Autism go to college and become a more productive member to the Las Vegas Community. All donations are tax deductible.
For More Information Contact:
Josh Baker
(702) 895-3238
K. Ryan Wennerlind
(702) 895-1749
Your contribution can provide multiple tutoring sessions, supplies and materials for F.O.C.U.S. students.
Your contribution can help fund a competitive intern/mentor with in the program.
Your contribution can help fund inclusive program events, and go towards student scholarships.
Your contribution can provide F.O.C.U.S. student scholarships applied to tuition and program fees as well as help fund program staff.
