Now accepting applications for fall 2027
To receive priority consideration, please submit your completed online form and all available documentation on or before December 4, 2026.
Apply here if you are ready to enroll for college in the Succeed, Plus, and Link Programs
Besides our college programs for applicants aged 18 years and older, the UMSL Office of Inclusive Postsecondary Education (OIPE) now offers a program called OIPE Bridge to individuals ages 17 years and older who may benefit from skill building for one year before they apply as a Succeed, Plus, or Link student at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. For questions regarding application, eligibility, and required disability documentation, please reach out to Transition Coordinator Sarah Mosby.
Student Eligibility
Whether you are ready to enroll for fall semester 2027 in our Succeed, Plus, or Link Program (certificate or degree), or are wanting to participate for one year in our college skill building program OIPE Bridge, you must be able to meet the following criteria:
- Individual with a documented intellectual disability and/or developmental disabilities.
- Demonstrate a strong interest or desire to pursue postsecondary education to expand career and life opportunities.
- Have completed or will complete high school with a modified/standard diploma, or a certificate of program completion/achievement.
- For applicants to Succeed, Plus, or Link in fall 2027: Be able to commit to a two-year (four semesters) college certificate program and take 4 to 8 hours of classes per week.
- Have experience in attending and participating in classes for up to 50-90 minutes at a time.
- Be able to spend time alone and manage own self-care.
- Be able and willing to learn and participate in inclusive classroom and work settings.
- Have experience staying overnight without parent supervision (camp, class trip, relatives’ home).
- Be able to follow the UMSL Student Standard of Conduct.
Application Process
Together, our goal is to come up with you and your family, a comprehensive system of supports based on our program pillars, Live (independent living), Learn (academic advancement), Work (career exploration), and Play (self-determination and successful social interaction). We are motivated to invite applicants like you who exhibit interest in participating fully and successfully in our program; and who wish to achieve their highest desired level of independence and skills in the areas of vocation, social, educational, and independent living.
Step 1:
Ready to attend college as a student in the Succeed, Plus, or Link Programs? Apply here. However, if you need more time to prepare for college, you may apply to our early admit program through OIPE Bridge. All applicants are required to submit disability documentation, proof of graduation from high school, and a non-refundable registration fee of $150.00. Applicants to the Link Degree Program must likewise fill out the online form issued by the University of Missouri-St. Louis Office of Admissions.
Step 2:
Applicants will be contacted for an on-campus interview.
Step 3:
An assessment will be conducted, based on submitted application materials and interview outcome. Program eligibility for Succeed or Link Certificate will be determined at this point.
Application requirements:
- Student résumé
- Copy of educational, medical, or psychological documentation of disability
- Copy of the most recent full transition plan, such as:
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP) with Transition Plan
- Individualized Service Plan (ISP)
- Person-Centered Plan (PCP) - Copy of any Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and/or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) completed within the past 5 years
- High school transcript or equivalent
- College transcript
- Copies of results from Career Assessments, Transition Assessments, or Summary of Performance
- Guardianship or Power of Attorney documentation if student will have a legal guardian or POA upon starting our program
