S.T.R.I.V.E Program

NEIU supports individuals with disabilities to realize their potential for independent living and competitive employment to the best of their ability. Providing a safe environment in which students may first practice both job specific and other important life skills before applying them in an authentic work experience will allow students to build skills, confidence, and connections for success in their post-secondary goals.

Curriculum

Students will learn through the use of Education Associate’s Job Ready, Life Ready program. Project Discovery is taught using hands-on kits that come with real tools to teach real job skills and facilitate meaningful, project-based learning. Achieve Life Skills contains all the materials needed to teach job preparation and employability skills, independent living skills, self-confidence & social skills, and health & nutrition. Students will be taught through this curriculum within our classroom on campus.

Admission Criteria

Students enrolling in the STRIVE program must have a disability and be in high school (9th-12th grade) or in their post-secondary years to attend the program. The ideal time to begin the program is in 12th grade or in the year following 12th grade. Restrictions include students with elopement concerns, verbal aggression, and physical aggression. Students must be able to navigate a public bathroom facility with minimal assistance.

Authentic Experiences

Students will be able to apply and practice the skills that they are learning in a variety of work experiences in real work environments. Chartwells is the company that provides all food service needs on Marywood University’s campus. Students will have the opportunity to rotate through a variety of work experiences in food service locations on campus, mainly the full-service cafeteria. Additional authentic experiences will be explored and scheduled at locations on campus or within walking distance of the university. Students also take field trips using bus transportation to learn more independence in navigating the local community.

Additional Opportunities

The Marywood community embraces the NEIU programs on campus and provides a variety of additional opportunities for our students that include activities such as speech therapy as a group with master’s level students, music and art therapy, participation in campus activities, and an environment where they can practice their social skills with same age peers.

Referrals and Timeline

All referrals for school age transition programs must be made by the sending school district or charter school as they are the party responsible for providing a FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education). Referrals can be made to the programs at any time, but rosters for the upcoming year are typically discussed with each district by the end of February. Referral packets are submitted by the special education director. A meet and greet with the student, parents, and district representatives is scheduled at Marywood University so that any additional information needed can be requested and a tour can be provided. This process is critical in assisting the Intermediate Unit staff to determine if the student’s needs can be met in the program, and if it is a program that the student will feel comfortable attending.

* For referrals, please inquire at your home school district’s or charter school’s special education department.

Collaboration with NEIU 19

S.T.R.I.V.E is a collaborative program of Marywood University and the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit. The NEIU supports local school districts in educating students through collaboration and innovation. Classes for S.T.R.I.V.E students are taught by NEIU instructors.

Dr. Kathleen Sottile | Executive Director
Kelly Dickey | Director of Special Education
Vanessa Nee | Supervisor of Special Education

Morgan Bialy | Educator, NEIU 19
mbialy@iu19.org

Kelly Dickey | Director of Special Education, NEIU 19
kdickey@iu19.org

Vanessa Nee | Supervisor of Special Education, NEIU 19
vnee@iu19.org

Dr. Suzanne Galella | Department Director and Associate Professor, School of Education; SOAR & STRIVE Director
sgalella@maryu.marywood.edu

Jeanne Santarsiero | Externally Funded Grant Specialist
jsantarsiero@maryu.marywood.edu 

Dr. Tabbi L. Miller-Scandle | Assistant Provost for Research and Sponsored Programs
tlmillerscandle@marywood.edu

Dr. James Eckler | Dean of the College of Professional Studies
jeckler@marywood.edu

Dr. Renee Zehel | Vice President for University Advancement
rzehel@marywood.edu 

Morgan Bialy | Educator, NEIU 19
mbialy@iu19.org 

Ruth Tarby | Paraeducator, NEIU 19
rtarby@iu19.org

Marlene Torch | Paraeducator, NEIU 19
mtorch@iu19.org

Angela Croop | Graduate Assistant
ancroop@m.marywood.edu 

Dr. Suzanne Galella | Department Director and Associate Professor, School of Education; SOAR & STRIVE Director
sgalella@maryu.marywood.edu

Lunch Buddies - Students with a meal plan can stop by the Nazareth Dining Hall any day from 11:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. to join our S.T.R.I.V.E students for lunch!

Fun Fridays - Clubs can prepare an activity to engage the S.T.R.I.V.E students in or individual students can just stop by and hang out with S.T.R.I.V.E students in the game room in Nazareth Hall while they play pool or board games! Every Friday from 1-2 p.m.