We love sharing resources with our camp families. This spring we’re hoping to share program previews from several programs Beyond Akeela teens have transitioned to in their post-secondary journey. First up is Thames at Mitchell College!

Transition Program Overview

Thames at Mitchell College helps students who are college able and working toward being college ready, transition to college full-time by providing them a GAP year experience on a college campus. With a bevy of well-rounded supports, both academic and residential, students learn to navigate college expectations with the guidance of highly trained professional staff. An Academic Advisor oversees their educational program, helping students with planning, self-advocacy, and receiving classroom accommodations. During the academic day, students have small class sizes, meetings with their Academic Advisor and tutors, and a centralized Thames building where they can complete work and utilize resources. A Resident Hall Director (RHD) helps students navigate the residential and social transition to college. RHDs help with roommates, living independently, and getting involved with campus activities and clubs. With both academic and residential support, Thames staff empowers their students to strive towards independence and success when moving onto full-time college students.

Students choose to attend Thames because of their wrap-around supports and the ability to experience being a member of a college community at a more gradual pace. Thames students eat in Mitchell’s dining hall, participate in Mitchell clubs and activities, and attend Mitchell events. Thames students are members of the Mitchell College community, and the community in itself is very accepting and welcoming to students from all paths. With nearly one-third of Mitchell College students identifying with a learning disability, supporting different learning types is simply part of the DNA of Mitchell College.

Thriving with a learning disability in college

The year spent at Thames at Mitchell College is truly a unique experience! Being located directly on a college campus allows enrolled students to experience college first-hand while being supported in the enhancement and continued development of the skills necessary for being a full-time college student. At the end of the Thames experience, students often emerge with newfound confidence, a meaningful group of friends, and the tools and strategies needed to be successful in a college environment.