- Financial aid can be applied to pay for the program
- Program is Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) eligible
- Each student receives an individualized pathway plan (IPP) based on their career goals and interests
- Students complete academic, life-skills, and job-related coursework
- Program takes two-and-a-half years to complete
- Each student will complete at least one internship during the program
- As City Colleges students, program participants have access to all college programming, events, and resources
- Dedicated After 22 staff are available for individualized support
- Students receive a non-academic Career Advancement Certificate upon completion of the program
After 22 Program at City Colleges
The After 22 Program was designed as an alternative to the traditional college experience for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
In this program, students take a combination of continuing education and credit courses, following a plan that is tailored to their needs and interests.
Each student completes at least one internship experience, receives job coaching and job placement support, and earns a non-academic Career Advancement Certificate.
Hear from After 22 Program Participants
About After 22
Eligibility
To enroll in After 22, students must meet the following criteria:
Frequently Asked Questions
After 22 is for students who are excited to learn and enthusiastic about attending college. Students must be able to navigate to and through a college campus and city landscape with minimal support; use time management strategies to attend class and work reliably; communicate wants, desires, and needs; demonstrate basic safety skills; have basic reading and math skills; and follow the City Colleges’ Code of Conduct.
All students will be asked to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. If the student qualifies for FAFSA, the money will be used to cover the cost of the program. We will work with each student and their family to complete the FAFSA application before they enter the program. After 22 is also a DRS eligible. The student must already be a DRS client or complete a DRS referral form to get connected to DRS. To complete a DRS referral form, visit the DHS Rehabilitation Services online application. Once a student has completed both their FAFSA and is a DRS client, the program will be fully covered and free of charge to the family.
No, students must be able to transport themselves to and from campus on their own. This can be through parent drop offs/pickups, PACE paratransit, other ride-share services, or CTA. At the beginning of the program, After 22 staff will assist students in obtaining an RTA reduced-fare card if they qualify.
Students will need to earn a total of 34 Comprehensive Transition and Post-Secondary (CTP) program hours. These hours can be earned by taking a combination of After 22 Continuing Education foundational courses and credit courses based on a student’s individualized pathway plan (IPP). Credit courses can be taken for a grade or can be audited. At least half of the program will be spent in inclusive courses with City Colleges students without intellectual or developmental disabilities.
In the first semester, each student works with an After 22 program director to develop an individualized pathway plan (IPP). The IPP will be unique for each student and will guide internships, workshops, and class courses over the next two years. Below is an example of what a student’s first semester may look like.
| Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | |
| 9:00am–11:00am | College Readiness | Work Readiness | College Readiness |
| 11:00am–11:30am | Lunch on your own | Lunch on your own | Lunch on your own |
| 11:35am–1:35pm | Career Exploration | Library, Independent Study | Career Exploration |
Course Description Example:
College Readiness—This course will introduce recent high school graduates to the skills necessary for college readiness, including time management, note-taking, research and presentation skills, college systems, and navigating resources.
Students will have two to three classes each semester, attend workshops, participate in work internships, and have homework assignments outside of class time. Students may not be on campus every day. Students will attend classes with other City Colleges students, participate in group activities, and be integrated into the campus community.
After 22 is a great opportunity for students to gain new skills and friends—and to be exposed to new experiences. Students will also learn the basics of public safety, how to manage money, and how to develop skills to be successful at work.
Students will attend classes taught by City Colleges instructors with other students. The class sizes may vary, but generally, there are 10 to 20 students in each class.
Sometimes students will be in classes that are created just for them to help meet the goals of their individualized pathway plan (IPP). For example, a student may take a workshop on navigating a syllabus.
Students will need a way to take notes for all classes and will need books for some classes. A laptop or electronic device may also be helpful for some students as well as a backpack. If students are connected to DRS, they can get support to pay for books and supplies.
At City Colleges, students are lifelong learners, and the staff is committed to advancing students’ lives and providing opportunities for them to succeed. City Colleges staff will serve as tutors and mentors to support students’ college experience. Students will also have support from the Access Center.
Students can participate in clubs, concerts, athletics, and more. Our library, computer rooms, and fitness center are open during class hours. The cafeteria and lounge areas are also great places to relax and connect with other students.