Join our team!
We are seeking applicants for our 2025-2026 Education Coach positions. View our Education Coach job postings for temporary employees and for BSU students (Non Work Study). Please contact Zack Chipman at zchipman@bridgew.edu for more information.
We are seeking applicants for 2025-2026 Peer Mentor positions. View our Peer Mentor job posting for BSU students (Non Work Study). Please contact Katie Leeco at kleeco@bridgew.edu for more information.
Pre-Application for Everyone
Submit the EXCEL Pre-Application Form if you think you are interested in attending any of the EXCEL programs. It can take over a year for IEP decisions, adult service agency support and funding sources to be in place.
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.
View WCVB's 5 for Good segment about the BSU EXCEL Program.
Please view program options below.
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, 2025 at 1 p.m. - Hybrid (in person & zoom)
June 13, 2025 at 9 a.m. - Zoom
July 30, 2025 at 1 p.m. - Hybrid (in person & zoom)
Aug. 25, 2025 at 9 a.m. - Zoom
Sept. 25, 2025 at 1 p.m. - Hybrid (in person & zoom)
Oct. 27, 2025 at 9 a.m. - Zoom
Nov. 25, 2025 at 1 p.m. - Hybrid (in person & zoom)
Dec. 19, 2025 at 9 a.m. - Zoom
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.
The Certificate program is an option for students with or without a high school 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.
The Transition program is a post-secondary option for students with or without a high school diploma who 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.
The UAA @ EXCEL @ BSU is a post-secondary option for students with or without a high school diploma who see a vocational field or trade as a path to their employment future. Upon successful completion, students may be eligible for experience in their particular trade as well as multiple certifications. The UAA@EXCEL@BSU is a private pay option.
Join our team as an Education Coach
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.