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EXCEL Program

EXCEL Admission for AY 2024-25 is closed.

The admissions period for AY 2025-26 will open in October 2024.  Please contact Lisa Anderson at l9anderson@bridgew.edu for an application.

Join our team!

We are seeking applicants for our 2024-2025 Education Coach positions. Please contact Zack Chipman at zchipman@bridgew.edu for more information.

We are seeking applicants for 2024-2025 Peer Mentor Positions. Please contact Lisa Anderson at l9anderson@bridgew.edu for more information.

EXCEL logo

Extraordinary Expectations
Career - Education - Life

The EXCEL Program at Bridgewater State University (BSU) is a fully-inclusive postsecondary program for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Students in the EXCEL program share the same experiences as their college peers in the areas of academics, socialization, professional development, and independent living. Students become more independent and actively engaged in creating and living their lives. Our program honors dignity and worth, and fosters self-determination. Our vision is for full inclusion to be a permanent fixture of the institutional fabric for all stakeholders at BSU.

Please view program options below.

The application period for Academic Year 2023-24 is closed. The application period for Academic Year 2024-25 will open in Fall of 2024.

Information Sessions

Interested students, families, and districts are encouraged to attend an EXCEL Program Information Session. The EXCEL staff offers a comprehensive overview of the program. Each session runs for approximately 1 1/2 hours. A confirmation with a zoom link for virtual or location and in-person parking instructions and the location of the session will be sent before the session date.

Please register for the session you would like to attend below.

May 7, 2024 at 10 a.m. – Virtual

June 11, 2024 at 1 p.m. – Virtual

July 11, 2024 at 1 p.m. – Virtual

Aug. 28, 2024 at 10 a.m. – Virtual

Oct. 10, 2024 at 1 p.m. – In Person

Nov. 13, 2024 at 10 a.m. – In Person

EXCEL students on steps of Boyden quad
BSU partners with local school districts who support transition age students interested in having a college experience. The Partnership program is an option for students recommended by their school district. Partnering districts pay for student participation.
EXCEL student giving a presentation
The Certificate program is an option for students who completed high school, but were unable to obtain a diploma. This two year, noncredit bearing certificate program is offered through BSU's College of Continuing Studies. The Certificate program is a private pay option.
students in class
The Transition program is a post-secondary option for students who have obtained a high school diploma, but need extra support to successfully transition into college. While in the program, students prepare to apply to BSU as degree-seeking students. The Transition program is a private pay option.

Join our team as an Education Coach

a BSU EXCEL student smiling and standing with her Ed Coach. Both are wearing matching red BSU t-shirts
WHAT

Provide students with academic, social and internship support.
$17.25 - $22 per hour

Typical activities include:
daily check-ins, homework follow-up and support, attending students' class(es) and/or internship sites.

WHEN & WHERE

Typically 5 days per week, roughly between 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday - Friday.

You will work a maximum of 19.75 hours per week and we can be somewhat flexible with your class schedule depending also on the student's schedule.

WHY

Create a safe space for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
With your support, EXCEL students are able to have a typical college experience in which they focus on academics, learn to utilize resources, advance their employability skills, feel socially connected to BSU student life, and develop lasting relationships.

HOW

Ongoing support and training from nationally recognized experts will be provided.
Training will help you better provide our students with an inclusive experience.

NEXT STEPS

Interested?* 
Email Zack Chipman at zchipman@bridgew.edu.

*Partial college credit through Bridgewater State University is possible.

Contact Us

EXCEL Program

Burnell Hall, Room 119
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA 02325
United States