- Financial aid applicable
- Two and a half year program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Individualized plans for each student
- Students complete academic, life skills, and job-related coursework
- Follows a traditional college 8/16-week semester
- Social and extracurricular activities available
- Case Manager and Staff available for support
- Students receive a non-academic Career Advancement Certificate after completing credited coursework and an internship
The After 22 Program connects adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to career training, educational opportunities, and jobs. Historically, after the age of 22, people with intellectual disabilities age out of traditional schools. This left them with few options to further their education, until now.
At Daley College, students are lifelong learners. And the staff at Daley is committed to advancing students’ lives and providing opportunities for them to succeed. With After 22, this now includes all students.
To enroll in After 22, students must have been ensured a free public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), have a documented intellectual disability, have a high school diploma or GED, and be 18 or older.
Please visit this website again in the coming months for a link to the Pre-Registration form that you can fill out to begin the application process for the After 22 Program.
About After 22
Contact Information
Richard J. Daley College
7500 S. Pulaski Road
Chicago, IL 60652
773-838-7545
The After 22, Occupational, Life and Academic Skills Program is a partnership between Daley College, Anixter Center, and Southside Occupational Academy High School, funded by Special Children’s Charities.
Our Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
The After 22 Program connects adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 22 and older to career training, educational opportunities, and jobs. This program also teaches students life skills, provides them with coaches and mentors, and allows them to experience social and extracurricular activities. Students who complete this program will earn a Career Advancement Certificate from the college (not an academic degree).
You can learn more at our website ccc.edu/After22, email dacontedu@ccc.edu or call 773-838-7545. There are also opportunities to attend an orientation session at Daley College. During that time, you can tour the school, ask questions about the program, learn how to enroll, and get help completing the application process.
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. If a student does not qualify for FAFSA, the cost will be covered by the program grant. If the student is denied or is partially awarded financial support, the program will cover the difference. We will work with each student and their family to complete the FAFSA application.
The program lasts between two and two and a half years. Full-time students will complete between six and nine credit hours per semester. Below is an example of what a student’s schedule may look like.
In the first semester, each student works with an After 22 program director to develop an individualized Pathway Plan (PP). The PP 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.
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 the option to enroll in a Summer Internship. Students will have the option to enroll in a Summer Internship.
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 Daley College students, live off-campus, participate in group and community activities, and do other activities college students do.
It’s a great opportunity for students to gain new skills, friends, and be exposed to new experiences. Students will also learn how to use public transportation safely, how to manage money, and skills to be successful at work.
Students will attend classes taught by Daley College 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 PP. For example, a student may take a workshop on transportation.
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.
At Daley College, students are lifelong learners, and the staff is committed to advancing students’ lives and providing opportunities for them to succeed. Daley 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.
After 22 is for students who are excited to learn and enthusiastic about attending college. Students must be able to navigate 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 College’s Code of Conduct.