Cutting Edge® Program
The Cutting Edge® Program at Edgewood College delivers a fully inclusive college experience for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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…”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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 NowCutting 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 September 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)
- One-page 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 cost to participate in the Cutting Edge program is $9,800 per academic year. This 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.
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.
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 NowAlumni 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