Frequently Asked Questions

What is REACH?

How does REACH differ from other post-secondary opportunities?

What kind of student is right for REACH?

What are the admission requirements?

Who are the REACH staff and instructors?

How much does REACH cost?

Is financial aid available to REACH students?

Why is there a separate tuition for University courses?

Are students required to have health insurance?

Are students required to live on campus?

How many students are accepted into the program?

Is REACH a certificate program?

Do REACH courses count as college credit?

Are tutors available to help students?

What extracurricular activities are available?

Are internships available?

How can families get involved in supporting their child's education goals?

What is REACH?
Realizing Educational and Career Hopes is a new post-secondary program at The University of Iowa specially designed for young adults with multiple learning and cognitive disabilities.  One of the first programs of its type at a major public university, REACH combines an academic course of study with career focused education. Participation in social and recreational opportunities on the Iowa campus are encouraged.  Students are required to live on campus in the residence halls.  Students are expected to enroll in the program as a full-time student and participate in all aspects of the program.  The program also seeks to heighten awareness of the potential of individuals with disabilities within the university and surrounding communities, businesses, and organizations.

How does REACH differ from other post-secondary opportunities?
REACH is a two-year integrated collegiate experience that encompasses academic enhancement, career development, student life, and community life.  The comprehensive post-secondary experience is designed to raise the expectations, aspirations, and skills of all students admitted to the program.  Upon completion of the program, students will earn a certificate of completion.

What kind of student is right for REACH?
Applicants are typically between 18 and 25 years old, have completed a high school program or received a certificate of attendance, and possess a well-rounded background in education, life-skills training, and volunteer/work experience.

Other qualities include strong social and adaptive skills, enthusiasm for learning and the college experience, desire to live independent of their family, and a family that supports that desire and the goals of the REACH Program.  To assure a good match, REACH participants are selected through an application and interview process.

What are the admission requirements?
The REACH application and interview process is designed to determine the compatibility of an applicant’s learning performance, current life skills, and job preparation with the goals and programmatic elements offered by the program within its support systems. 

If you would like to receive a copy of the application packet by mail, please send a written request, a mailing address, and payment of $25 to the REACH Office.  Upon receipt of your request, a packet will be mailed out within 3 business days.

After reviewing your application, we will determine if an interview will be offered.

Who are the REACH staff and instructors?
We have recruited a staff of experienced, patient professionals and instructors who are sensitive to the needs of our students as they acquire the knowledge and skills for an independent life and employment.  

How much does REACH cost?
REACH thrives to provide a high quality academic experience, enriched by small classroom sizes, and individual support.  The costs for full-time enrollment in the academic portion of the Program for 2008-2009 are approximately $12,500 per year for residents and $25,000 for non-residents.  Additional fees cover books/supplies, library, recreation center, student fee, and tuition for Unviersity courses.  Residence hall rates for a double occupancy room and board for a traditional plan of 20 meals per week for 2008-2009 is $7,415; though, these rates will change for the 2009-2010 academic year. More information is available under Costs and Financial Aid.

Is financial aid available to REACH students?
REACH students do not currently qualify for federal financial aid.  You can pursue funding through banks offering private educational loans.  We encourage all interested individuals to apply, independent of their ability to pay, as limited needs-based scholarships funded through private donations may be available.

Why is there a separate tuition for University courses?

The tuition/program fee for the REACH Program covers the cost for courses designed and taught by REACH instructors and up to 3 credit hours of University courses per year.  To enroll in an undergraduate course, REACH students are responsible for paying tuition to the University beyond the 3 credit hours.

Are students required to have health insurance?

Yes. The REACH Program will follow the University policy and procedures established.

Beginning with summer 2008, all new first-year students will be required to have health insurance coverage valid in the state of Iowa for the entire time they are a student at The University of Iowa. If they do not have health coverage that meets University requirements, they will be automatically enrolled in The University of Iowa’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Coverage begins the first of the month in which the student is registered and classes begin.

Are students required to live on campus?
Yes.  The residence hall communities offer a great opportunity for students to experience campus life, participate in educational programs, enjoy social time and leisure activities with peers, and develop independent living skills.  Residence hall staff, attentive to the unique needs of REACH students, live in the community and handle critical situations that arise in the hall.

How many students are accepted into the program?
We anticipate between 20 and 25 per year.  Applicants that are not initially accepted may be placed on a waiting list.

Is REACH a certificate program?
Yes.  Students who complete all of the REACH graduation requirements earn a certificate of completion.

Do REACH courses count as college credit?
No. REACH coursework is evaluated, but does not earn college credit. However, students may enroll in selected Iowa courses which provide college credit, if students meet the prerequisite criteria and obtain written permission from the REACH Program and the course instructor.

Are tutors available to help students?
Yes. While REACH offers a high instructor-to-student ratio in the classroom. Students are required to attend weekly study tables.

What extracurricular activities are available?
All of the activities that are available to Iowa students are offered to REACH students, including university organizations, cultural events, and recreational activities.  REACH staff and volunteers support students in campus and community involvement.

Are internships available?  Will REACH assist with student placement?
Gaining work experience and exploring careers are central to the REACH curriculum.  Students are expected to pursue internships as part of the requirement for graduation.  Instructors assist with the process of researching, applying, and interviewing for jobs and internships, both on and off campus.  Many of the internships are paid positions.  However, depending on the student's interests and availability, some positions may not be paid.

How can families get involved in supporting their child’s educational goals?
REACH coordinates regular networking opportunities for families to communicate with and encourage one another.

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