Now accepting applications for fall 2026
To guarantee an immediate spot for interview in the Succeed Program or Link Certificate Program, please submit your application on or before our priority deadline of December 12, 2025 (Friday). We will be accepting applications through April 10, 2026. Please note: $150 non-refundable application fee, paid by check or money order.
Student Eligibility
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to enroll in any of our three (3) programs: Succeed, Succeed+, and Link (certificate or degree).
- Have a documented intellectual disability or developmental disabilities.
- Demonstrate a strong interest or desire to pursue postsecondary education to expand career and life opportunities.
- Have completed or will complete high school with a modified/standard diploma, or a certificate of program completion/achievement.
- Be able to commit to a two-year (four semesters) college certificate program and take 4 to 8 hours of classes per week.
- Have experience in attending and participating in classes for up to 50-90 minutes at a time.
- Be able to spend time alone and manage own self-care.
- Be able and willing to learn and participate in inclusive classroom and work settings.
- Have experience staying overnight without parent supervision (camp, class trip, relatives’ home).
- Be able to follow the UMSL Student Standard of Conduct.
Application Process
Our purpose is to visualize a comprehensive picture of the applicant's goals and support needs, and to assess how our program pillars can realize their objectives. We are motivated to invite students who exhibit interest in participating fully and successfully in our program; and who wish to achieve their highest desired level of independence and skills in the areas of vocation, social, educational, and independent living.
Step 1:
If you are applying to the Succeed or Link Certificate programs, you must complete and submit the online OIPE Application form. Moreover, you will be required disability documentation, proof of graduation from high school, and a non-refundable registration fee of $150.00. Applicants to the Link Degree Program must fill out the form issued by the University of Missouri-St. Louis Office of Admissions.
Step 2:
Applicants will be contacted for an on-campus interview.
Step 3:
An assessment will be conducted, based on submitted application materials and interview outcome. Program eligibility for Succeed or Link Certificate will be determined at this point.
For those applying as non-degree seeking students in the Succeed Program or Link Certificate Program, you are required to submit the following documents along with your OIPE application form:
- Student résumé (if available)
- Copy of educational, medical, or psychological documentation of disability
- Copy of the most recent full transition plan, such as:
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP) with Transition Plan
- Individualized Service Plan (ISP)
- Person-Centered Plan (PCP)
- Or a combination of these - Copy of any Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and/or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) completed within the past 5 years (if applicable — must be submitted if they exist)
- High school transcript
- College transcript (if applicable — must be submitted if available)
- Copies of results from Career Assessments, Transition Assessments, or Summary of Performance (if applicable — must be submitted if available)
- Guardianship or Power of Attorney documentation (if applicable — must be submitted if available)
