Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ELSA?
ELSA is four-year, non-degree certificate program, located on the Elmhurst College campus in the western suburbs of Chicago. ELSA admits young adults, ages 18-28, with intellectual, developmental, learning, cognitive, physical, and/or sensory disabilities who have completed high school with a diploma and/or certificate.

Students enrolled in the academy have disabilities that interfere with their learning, listening, speaking, writing, reasoning, mathematical abilities and/or prevent them from managing their ability to live independently.

What are the components of the ELSA program?
ELSA brings the academic, vocational, and social/recreational experiences of college life under one roof. The program consists of three areas of focus challenging the personal growth of every student:   

• Academics & Career Exploration. Students work to increase their literacy and capacity for writing, mathematics, purposeful reading, and reading for pleasure. Technology and career exploration courses, including job shadowing, internships, and field experience, are also hallmarks of the ELSA program. Personal finance courses are integrated throughout the program. Additionally, students have the option to audit Elmhurst College undergraduate courses, beginning in their second year of study, pending necessary approvals.
• Independent Living Skills. Students are taught valuable strategies to enhance their skills in budgeting, menu preparation and cooking, shopping, use of public transportation, household management, personal care, and functional life skills.
• Social & Recreational Skills. Students have the opportunity to participate in campus-based clubs, organizations, intramural sports, attend sporting or other events on/off campus with mentor support, and use the College’s fitness center. Elmhurst College students, serving as peer mentors and education coaches, engage ELSA participants in a range of planned activities and encourage peer interaction and social skills.

Personal responsibility and advocacy, decision-making, time management, and organizational skills are integrated into the curriculum.

What will ELSA students receive upon completion?
Students receive a Certificate of Completion, with transcripts of all ELSA coursework, development of program and professional portfolios, and participation in the College’s annual spring commencement ceremony.

Upon completion of the ELSA program, students have the opportunity to enroll in ELSA’s Graduate Living Seminars as a secondary support in their independent lives.

How does ELSA differ from other academic programs for young adults with intellectual disabilities?
We provide an inclusive environment on a college campus, with opportunities for our ELSA students to interact with their peers in various activities. We provide opportunities for support in academics, career  and social/ recreational activities. We want to have our students continue to grow as individuals and build their skills for lifelong learning opportunities.

What is the application process and admission criterion?
Call (630) 617-3752 to request an application packet or download the application. Submit the application with current psychological evaluation, official high school transcripts, two recommendations, and other required documents to the Office of Adult and Graduate Studies–ELSA, Elmhurst College, 190 S. Prospect Avenue, Cureton Hall, Elmhurst, IL 60126.

When is the application deadline?
The preferred application deadline for fall is June 1; the preferred application deadline for January (even years only) is November 1. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis. Applications submitted after deadlines will be considered while space remains available. ELSA students may attend on either full-time or  part-time schedule.

How many students are offered admission each year?
ELSA is a limited enrollment program allowing admission of up to 15 new students each academic year.

What is the admission process?
After the completed application has been received, students and families will be contacted to set up an interview with the ELSA Admission Committee. After the interview, students will receive a letter of admission or denial. The admission letter will include the Intent to Enroll form. Students will be asked to complete the form and submit it with a non-refundable $200 tuition deposit which will be applied to the first term’s tuition and fees.

What are the criteria for admission?
Admission consideration requires that the applicant has at least a minimum third grade reading, writing, and mathematics level. Students may attend on either a full or part-time basis.

Is this a residential or commuter program?
ELSA is currently a commuter program and as such, the College does not provide on-campus housing. Students who have the ability to live independently may rent apartments or condominiums—many of which are within walking distance or a short shuttle bus ride from campus. ELSA families are encouraged to look into Ray Graham’s Monarch Living Program which operates assisted housing facilities for young adults located near downtown Elmhurst.

What does an ELSA student’s schedule look like?
In each of the terms, students meet for classes as scheduled to coincide with the college-wide course schedule. First-year ELSA students complete a common set of required courses. Senior year consists of a required off-campus internship. Outside of their scheduled courses, ELSA students are able to participate in most clubs, organizations, events, and other activities on campus along with their degree-seeking peers.

How much is ELSA tuition?
Full time ELSA tuition for the 2011-12 academic year is $14,162 per semester. Part-time tuition is based on an hourly rate of $750 per hour. Tuition is waived for students taking one class in the January and optional summer terms. Tuition includes all books and required instructional materials. Meal plans are optional and may be purchased through the College’s dining services.

Are there opportunities for grants or scholarships?
At present, ELSA offers a limited number of grants, up to $5,000, available each year. A list of current grants is available upon request and included in all ELSA application packets. Applications are to be completed and returned, along with the required financial information to the ELSA Scholarship Committee on or before July 1st.

We are constantly applying to and researching groups, organizations and corporations from which we can access funds to help ELSA students with the financial cost of attending the program. We suggest checking out the following sites: www.heath.gwu.edu, or Illinois Family Assistance and Home-Based Support Services program at (800) 843-6154 or (800) 526-0844 TDD relay, http://www.washington.edu/doit, www.scholarship.com, and www.thinkcollege.net.

Due to the limited number of grants available, we encourage students and their families to seek out other avenues of funding, such as federal student aid, corporations, local businesses, private scholarship opportunities, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and churches. To apply for federal student aid, please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Elmhurst College code is 001676.

Can ELSA students seek employment on campus?
ELSA students are allowed to seek part-time student worker positions.