CORE PROGRAM COMPONENTS

All students complete the AIM Basics program, which incorporates independent living, career readiness, social/interpersonal skills, and holistic wellness in a supportive environment with the goal of producing self-sufficient adults ready to pursue independence and sustain employment.

Once students have completed this foundational portion of the program, they can select one concentrating program on career readiness or graduate study. Below are the skill areas that will be developed through the program.

Independent Living

• • During Year 1, students live in a college-owned house located near, but not on, the Mitchell College campus. Second-year participants will move into local housing and commute to campus for workshops and community events.
  • Guided Community Governance/Self-Governance
  • Independent Living Skills/Workshops
  • Cooking classes resulting in preparation of community meals
  • Financial literacy and banking
  • Assistance identifying and applying for local apartments prior to Year 2

Career Readiness

• • Career Workshops: Resume writing, interview skills, Group Career Assessments, etc.
  • Employee Rights and Employment Accommodations
  • Service Learning

Social, Emotional & Interpersonal Skills Development

• • Workshops: Healthy Relationships, Care-frontation techniques, self-advocacy, growth mindset, etc.
  • Participation in local clubs and community organizations
  • Interaction with Mitchell College Students and Staff

Holistic Wellness

• • Nutrition and Wellness Activities
  • Personal Fitness Training/Self-Defense
  • Hygiene Practices
  • Healthy Relationships and Boundary setting

THE STAIRs HUBS

Students who have successfully met the benchmarks for the AIM Basics Program are able to transition into one of two STAIRs hubs. Descriptions of the hubs, along with sample schedules, are below.

Hub #1 — Career Intensive/Focused

Hub #2 — Academic Exploration/Graduate School

Hub #1 — Career Intensive/Focused

In contrast to popular belief, finding a career that matches your skillset and that you love is not easy. It is a process that takes time and requires patience, self-awareness and some exploration. STAIRs’ Career Intensive Hub was developed to support students with diverse or undecided career goals through this process as they explore interests and passions while building the skills necessary to be successful in their chosen fields.

Program Stages

1. 1. Career Exploration — Identify Areas of Interest and Capacity
   2. Goal Setting and Workforce Preparation
   3. Internship/Employment Search and Application
   4. Universal Technical and Soft Skills Training

Benchmarks

• • Baseline Competencies
  • Targets
  • Final Assessment

Hub #2 — Academic Exploration/Graduate School

The Graduate School preparedness hub will support students with a bachelor’s degree as they create effective application packets for graduate programs of their choosing, and provides students with opportunities to grow and practice the skills they will need for success in their graduate education.

Program Stages

1. 1. 1. Academic Skills Development — Develop the Skills Needed to Succeed in Graduate School
      2. Program Identification & Exploration — Find Appropriate Programs for Particular Career and Academic Goals
      3. Application Preparation — Develop Effective Graduate School Applications
      4. Graduate Program Exploration

Benchmarks

• Passion for the subject area or field in your chosen graduate course of study
• Ability to successfully complete a graduate program
• Reason for attending graduate school in a certain field; understanding of how graduate study will help achieve your goal

Outputs

• Demonstrate Readiness Skills
• Identify Graduate Program(s)
• Prepare for Application

Eastwinds, home base for STAIRs, is located in a charming historic home in a quiet residential neighborhood on the banks of the Thames River in New London, CT.

Above and below: Views of the river from Eastwinds.

STAIRs PROGRAM STAFF