Title of Effective Practice: - California Postsecondary Education ...

Direct Connection to Policy Area 4 of The Illinois Commitment
Elmhurst Life Skills Academy
Elmhurst College
What issue or need is addressed by the effective practice?
The Elmhurst Life Skills Academy provides access to appropriate aspects of college life for young people who
are not able to fully enroll in a college or university because of significant developmental disabilities.
Description of the effective practice:
The Elmhurst Life Skills Academy (ELSA) is a specially tailored non-credit on-campus program for young
adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who have the capacity to do independent work but who are limited by
significant cognitive or developmental disabilities. The ELSA program consists of three elements: academics,
work experience, and social and recreational experience. ELSA students follow a specially tailored non-credit
curriculum that aims to maximize each student’s potential to live independently as a productive citizen. ELSA
class sessions are facilitated by Elmhurst College faculty and upper level Elmhurst College students in Special
Education and other areas. As a part of their program, ELSA students gain work experience both on and off
campus under the guidance of volunteer mentors. In order to foster their social development and to give ELSA
students the experience of college life, ELSA students are eligible to join a range of Elmhurst College student
organizations and are encouraged to participate fully in the life of the campus. ELSA is a four-year commuter
program.
How does this practice achieve sustainability?
ELSA achieves sustainability through its incorporation into the overall budgetary planning of the College and
through significant support from an advisory board of community members, parents, students, and area
educators. ELSA was fully approved by the College’s Strategic Steering Team before its launch, a process that
included careful review of long-term financial projections. The full commitment of the College’s Education
Department ensures that ELSA will receive ongoing support as it matures.
What are the results/measurable outcomes?
The original enrollment target was eight new students in each of ELSA’s first two years. Eleven students
enrolled and completed ELSA’s first year. Current projections suggest a new class of at least twelve students for
this second year. Evaluations made by ELSA faculty in the first year showed positive results in each of its
academic dimensions. ELSA students and parents reported high levels of satisfaction with the gains achieved
during the program’s first year.
Contact Information
Name: James Kulich
Email: jimk@elmhurst.edu
Phone: (630) 617-6472
105