Where Learning Thrives Differently

The Center for Learning Differences (CLD) at St. Thomas University (STU) offers comprehensive transition programs for individuals with specific learning disabilities, including the Bobcat Pathway degree and the Bobcat Trailblazer to Work program. Students can enhance their social, academic, and vocational skills at the post-secondary level. We recognize that each student is unique, so we focus on their needs and strengths to determine the degrees and certificates available to them.

Core Values and Benefits

  • College environment with face-to-face courses on campus.
  • An opportunity to take classes and participate in college activities alongside other STU students.
  • A central focus on graduating with the goal of achieving employment.

The two programs

Bobcat Pathways: A program designed for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice or Culinary Arts.

Bobcat Trail Blazers to Work: A program where participants earn a certificate in Criminal Justice or Culinary Arts.

Bobcat Pathways Program

The Bobcat Pathways program is designed for individuals seeking a Bachelor’s degree.

This program offers degrees in: Criminal Justice or Culinary Arts

Academics:

  • Students in the Bobcat pathways select their classes with assistance from their personal and academic mentors.
  • The program enables students to participate in college activities and events alongside their peers while attending STU.
  • Students receive support from a peer mentor during fall and spring semesters. A faculty mentor in the first summer semester.
  • Person-centered planning, advising, and internships are tailored to the student’s strengths, providing opportunities that align with their skills and interests.
  • Students will receive academic and social support to enhance their self-advocacy and self-determination skills.

Program Highlights:

A summer institute that emphasizes life and social skills, academic development, workplace enrichment and community skills.

  • Culinary Arts Program Details

    The culinary arts program provides opportunities to learn about hospitality, food safety, and various culinary techniques.

    Students can interact with exceptional culinary instructors in the newly established chef’s experiential dining room.

  • Criminal Justice Program Details

    The criminal justice degree offers insights into law enforcement, the court system, and probation and parole.

    Students can interact with criminal justice instructors that possess years of professional expertise in the criminal justice systems.

Bobcat Trail Blazers to Work Program

Program Highlights:

  • A diverse range of employment options that promote greater job independence
  • This initiative will provide practical work experience, starting on campus and gradually expanding into the local community, ultimately leading to competitive employment opportunities
  • The Culinary Arts or Criminal Justice certificate(s) will equip students with essential skills for navigating your community independently.

The Bobcat Trail Blazers to Work program is designed for individuals seeking Professional Certificates.

This program offers certificates in: Criminal Justice or Culinary Arts

A group of three students is gathered outdoors on a university campus. They are casually interacting around a table. The central focus is on a smiling young woman with long brown hair, wearing a red shirt and a backpack, who is looking directly at the camera. To her left, a young man in a white shirt and a backpack is glancing downward, engaged with something on the table. The third person, whose face is not fully visible, is on the right, also participating in the conversation. The background features trees and a blue umbrella, contributing to a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Academics:

  • Students in the Bobcat Trailblazer to Work program will select their own classes with assistance from their Bobcat personal and academic mentors, reflecting their areas of interest.
  • The program enables students to participate in college activities and events alongside their peers while attending STU.
  • Students receive support from a peer mentor during fall and spring semesters. A faculty mentor in the first summer semester.
  • Students will receive academic and social support to enhance their self-advocacy and self-determination skills.

Admission and Application

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Have a documented intellectual disability
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have completed high school (can provide a transcript indicating completion)
  • Be capable of meeting personal needs without assistance
  • Be able to self-administer any necessary medication
  • Display appropriate behaviors
  • Have the capability to participate in 50-to-90-minute classes
  • Navigate the campus independently
  • Have the desire to participate in a college program
  • Have the desire to obtain and maintain competitive employment

Application Process:

  • Download the Application Packet
  • Complete and email the application to learningdifferences@stu.edu
  • Qualified applicants will be contacted for a student and family interview.
  • Applicants will be notified of their acceptance via mail.
  • Students are admitted to the Center of Learning Differences program each academic semester.

Application Packet Checklist:

  • Completed Center for Learning Differences (CLD) Applicant Packet. (Select the Bobcat Pathways degree or Bobcat Trailblazer to Work non-degree program) Two letters of recommendation: one (1) should be professional (ie: clergy community leader or teacher) and one (1) should be personal (no immediate family)
  • Copy of most recent Individual Education Plan (IEP)
  • A copy of the most recent psychological or academic evaluation (within the past three years)
  • High school transcript showing proof of graduation
  • Recent photo/headshot of applicant
  • Personal video statement (digital copy of the applicant’s response to questions on page 12 of this application)
  • Signed the applicant contract
  • Signed Parent/Guardian/Caretaker memorandum of understanding
  • Signed research consent form
  • Signed photo/media release form

Additional Information for Applicants

STU is a multi-faceted community making it an ideal environment for starting your college journey.

As a student at the STU – Center for Learning Differences (CLD), your primary identity will be that of an STU Bobcat.

You will receive a STU Identification card, which provides access to various campus events, student activities, and athletic events.

Application Deadlines

  • August for Fall Semester Admission
  • November for Spring Semester Admission
  • April for Summer Semester Admission

Student Resources

Learn More

For more information or to begin your enrollment in the Center for Learning Differences programs at STU, please contact Valerie Hall.

Center for Learning Differences
16401 NW 37th Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
Call or Text: 645-231-3868
Email: learningdifferences@stu.edu

CLD - Request Information

CLD - Request Information

You may also request more information on the Center for Learning Differences by submitting this form.

We will contact you using this name.
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