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About the Cutting Edge® Program

We believe all students should have the opportunity to pursue higher education. That’s why we’re proud to offer the Cutting Edge® Program, which provides you with an inclusive college experience, tailored to your needs as a student with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

You’ll receive tailored support in academics, housing, social interactions, and career-building opportunities like real-world experiences and internships. Each year, the college supports at least 30 students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping you thrive within our community. Cutting Edge also offers Pre-College and Alumni programs.

Mission Statement

The Cutting Edge program at Edgewood College offers an equitable opportunity for learners with diverse abilities to develop and acquire the skills needed for independent and self-determined lives. Within an inclusive and supportive environment, both the student in the program and the Edgewood College community thrive, resulting in a positive impact for all its members.

Cutting Edge Student Spotlights

Learn about the experiences of Edgewood College students and how they benefited from the Cutting Edge Program.

Sam Dess

“I am an ambassador for this program. Cutting Edge taught me to be independent, be respectful to others, find who I am, and be an advocate for my friends and other students. My favorite part [of the Cutting Edge program] has been getting to know all of the staff. They always support us, and [I feel like] we are a family.”

Santi Elbow

“The program helped me get to where I am now, by allowing me to go to college, and really test my intellect in the various classes that I took from Education courses to English, and so on. The program Course Coaches they offered were nice and gladly gave up their time to help me in my classes. The best thing about college was learning new subjects and getting to communicate with friends and professors.”

Madison Smith

“I have learned a lot through the Cutting Edge Program … I learned how to be independent on my own. The Cutting Edge Program … is a place I can grow and become, a place where I can be me… [and] be open to all kinds of work experiences. Cutting Edge gave me so many job experiences … which made my resume more powerful…”

Kody Funmaker

“The Cutting Edge Program helps me to be more successful in the areas I’m not proficient in. The people in this program are helpful in so many ways. I don’t think I could get this help anywhere else.”

Grace Machi

“The best thing about college is meeting new people and having more freedom. I lived in a dorm last year and currently live in an apartment on campus this year. I have a paid internship and a practicum. My goal is to get a teaching job after college.”

Rame Diamond

“Cutting Edge helped me with learning and being on my own—cooking food, having a routine, hanging out with friends, meeting new people, and doing lots of activities.”

Collin Haas

“I benefited from the Cutting Edge Program because … I was able to get good grades in all of my classes thanks to all of the support my Course Coaches gave me. I … also made friends with a lot of the students on campus who are not in the program. Because of Cutting Edge, I became more successful in my college career, developing and improving on great social skills, and learning how to live independently.”

Michael Hwang

“The CE Program allowed me to develop my communication skills. This program taught me to surround myself with good people who accept others from diverse backgrounds. They embrace my cultural differences and love me for who I am. This program has taught me that no matter what you’ve gone through, don’t let your past challenges and obstacles hinder you from learning new things and making new friends.”

a group of people standing outside

Open House

The Cutting Edge Open House is an opportunity for you and your family to learn more about the program, hear from a panel of students and parents, and take a tour of campus.

Sign up for the next event on October 4, 2024.

Get Event Details Register Now

Cutting Edge Admissions Process

To qualify for the Cutting Edge Program at Edgewood College, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a documented intellectual or developmental disability
  • Can complete personal care independently
  • Can take medication independently
  • Have the desire to go to college

Applications are open from August 1 to November 30, and it’s best to apply a year in advance. For example, apply in the summer or fall of 2024 for admission in fall 2025. You’ll hear back about your admittance status in February.

Admission decisions are based on several factors, and not all applicants are guaranteed an interview or acceptance. Your application must include:

  • Application form
  • Recent photo
  • Official transcripts
  • At least one letter of reference (from someone who is not your family member)
  • Essay on the topic “Why I Want to Go to College”
  • Current disability documentation (IEP or neuropsychological report)
  • Completed feedback forms that we will send to you

Start gathering your materials by August to prepare for your application.

Program Cost

The Cutting Edge fee covers expenses such as individualized college planning meetings, academic coaching, paid internship experience, residential support, daily living training, monthly parent meetings, and much more.

Cutting Edge Courses

As a Cutting Edge student, you may take some or all of the following courses that assist in the transition to college. These courses include:

Skills for Success

This four-course series is designed to teach skills in time management and study skills, financial literacy, language and communication, and self-determination. The goal is to apply these skills in all areas of life: college, independent living, and employment.

Safety in the Community

Learn about personal safety, navigation in the community, self-advocacy, and emergency response.

Interpersonal Relationships

Learn about support systems, social boundaries, navigation of social situations, relationship building, sexual education, and exploration of your role in our diverse world.

Internship Development

This course is designed to teach employability skills and promote growth in vocational independence while you participate in on- or off-campus internships. Through discussions, reflection, and hands-on learning, you’ll develop skills in communication and professionalism for the workplace.

Internship Application

This course is designed to prepare you for future employment. You’ll practice using vocational skills in your internship and request supervisor feedback. By the end of the course, you’ll create a resume and cover letter, participate in a mock interview, and complete a supervisor evaluation.

Inclusive Access to Academic Courses

As a Cutting Edge student, you’ll have the same course options as all undergraduates. Courses are chosen based on your individual goals and input from family and Cutting Edge staff. You and your support team develops an Individualized College Plan, which outlines the right courses for your chosen pathway.

These courses could include Art, Communications, Music, English, Math, Science, History, Philosophy, Social Sciences, Theatre, and more.

Choosing a Cutting Edge Pathway

The Cutting Edge Program recognizes that there are different pathways through college and provides a plan designed just for you. You and your family will meet with Cutting Edge staff at least twice yearly to develop an Individualized College Plan, including the benchmarks to reach your goals.

Pathway 1: Non-Degree (2–4 years)

Certificate of Completion

This non-degree certificate is customizable for each student. With this certificate, you have the freedom and flexibility to choose the classes you take according to your career goals and interest areas. Courses may be taken for credit or for audit. Past graduates who have earned this certificate have created their own businesses and/or worked in the community in a variety of settings.

Para-Professional Educator Certificate

This certificate is designed for students who want to work with children and combines hands-on practicum experiences in the schools while also completing coursework covering theories of child development, diversity in the classroom, and teaching strategies. You’ll need to complete a minimum of 48 credits toward the certificate, which fulfills the requirement for the state of Wisconsin to work in schools as a para-professional. By completing this certificate, you may be employed in positions such as teacher’s assistant, after-school group leader, and childcare center assistant.

21st-Century Skills for Employment Certificate

This certificate prepares you to work in entry-level positions in a variety of work settings. Coursework includes a focus on crucial employability skills, such as written communication, oral communication, technology literacy, and career exploration. All required courses must be taken for credit. This certificate offers flexibility for you to explore your own interest areas while also developing critical skills for employment.

Pathway 2: Degree-Seeking (4–6 years)

If you are seeking a bachelor’s degree, you must be admitted through the general admissions process at Edgewood College and the Cutting Edge Program to receive services from Cutting Edge. You’re required to meet all aspects of the undergraduate degree, which is typically 120 credits. All courses must be 100-level or above and taken for credit.

Support for All Cutting Edge Students

Cutting Edge offers support in five distinct areas: academic, employment, community engagement, health and wellness, and independent living. You’ll receive the support you need through academic advisors, our staff, peer mentors, and other campus resources throughout your college experience.

Course Coaches

This support is designed to provide you with academic mentoring while in college. This role also works with you outside of class to monitor assignment completion, assist with the breakdown of tasks, and help with exam preparation. Support inside of class could be provided to students in a certificate-seeking pathway if needed.

Job Coaches

In this mentoring role, peers guide you in your internship experiences on campus. This may include modeling job tasks, professionalism, and workplace communication.

Community Engagement Mentors

This support promotes your inclusion and involvement in the program both on campus and in the community. Mentors in this role will encourage you to participate in a variety of activities while also advising you on making safe weekend plans. Mentors might also host on- or off-campus social events for students.

Health and Wellness Mentors

These mentors support you in the program in the areas of health and well-being. They hold weekly sessions on the topics of wellness, mindfulness, and/or fitness. Mentors may also work one-on-one with you on specific goals in the fitness center if desired.

Independent Living Mentors

Mentors in this role promote independence in your living space through weekly skill development sessions. Sessions may focus on topics such as time management, interpersonal relationships, and activities of daily living (laundry, hygiene, cleaning, cooking, budgeting, grocery shopping, etc.).

Volunteer Peer Mentors

At times, individuals may choose to volunteer with the program. This looks different for each student, but it could include having a meal together, checking in about social relationships, practicing in an activity, or exploring the community.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

You’ll have the opportunity to participate in real-world experiences and internships to build skills that will lead to employment. At the beginning of your college career, your paid internship will be located on campus. You may also enroll in the Cutting Edge Internship course series to further your understanding of employability skills.

As you gain experience and advance in your coursework during your final year at Cutting Edge, you may transition to off-campus employment in the Madison area. Cutting Edge staff partners with the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to prepare you for community employment.

student taking notes

Pre-College Summer Program

If you are a high school student with an intellectual or developmental disability and are 16 to 21 years old, you’re invited to apply to the Pre-College Summer Program. It supports your desire to go to college in the future by exposing you to college life on the Edgewood College campus.

Learn About the Pre-College Program Apply Now

Alumni Program

Upon graduation, you may choose to continue to receive support from the Cutting Edge Program through case management services and/or one-on-one skill development and support. The Alumni Program also offers social opportunities for alumni to connect with other alumni, current students, and the larger Edgewood College community.

The Alumni Program also offers the following services:

  • Annual meeting with support team
  • Goal tracking
  • Residential supports
  • Vocational preparation
  • Referrals to trusted community resources

 

Additional Support Resources

Accessibility Services Academic Support Wellness Services