BENTONVILLE -- Northwest Arkansas Community College received state approval Friday for a program to help people with cognitive disabilities.
The occupational and life skills program is expected to begin at the college this fall with 14 students. The goal is to help those with cognitive disabilities learn keys to success in the workplace and achieve a level of independence.
The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board unanimously approved the program at its meeting Friday, according to Steven Hinds, college director of public relations and marketing.
The program will be modeled after one offered at Bellevue College in Bellevue, Wash., the only other college in the country that offers it.
Northwest Arkansas Community College began to study the program a year ago, including surveys of parents of potential students and discussions with numerous area organizations that work with people who have cognitive disabilities.
The program involves 60 credit hours over eight semesters. It would have a maximum tuition rate of $667 per credit hour, which means a student who makes it all the way through would pay a total of about $40,000.
The board also approved the college's proposed associate of applied science in construction technology degree. That program is designed to provide students with the skills to "plan, direct, coordinate, and/or budget activities" associated with the construction industry, according to a description submitted to the board. The program will begin this fall.
NW News on 01/31/2015