The Explorers Program

California State University, Northridge

18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA 91330

The CSUN Explorers Program is an inclusive postsecondary education program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to experience college, pursue goals, and grow in independence. Founded in 2019 by Dr. Beth Lasky, it gives students access to undergraduate courses through CSUN’s Open University, full participation in campus life, and opportunities to build academic, social, and career skills. The program follows a 22–26 unit curriculum, typically over two years. Most students take two courses per semester, though pacing can be adjusted to fit individual needs and personal goals

CONTACT INFO

Program Contact:	Amy Hanreddy
Program Contact Email:	amy.n.hanreddy@csun.edu
Program Phone:	818-677-2596
Program Website:	www.csun.edu/eisner-education/csun-explorers

GENERAL

Public or Private:	Public
Type of School:	4 Year College or University
Size of School:	Large (>15,000)
Length of Program:	2 Year
Accepts out-of-state students?	No
Type of Postsecondary Education Program:	Integrated/Immersive Inclusion → full participation in all aspects of campus with coordinated supports
Residential Living Component:	Optional
Walkability & Bikeability of College and Surrounding Community:	Somewhat Walkable
Public Transportation Available:	Public Transportation to/around community Campus Shuttle Bike Access Access Services Micro-Metro
Number of Students in Program:	8
Number of Students Per Cohort:	8
When do new cohorts begin?	Fall
Types of disabilities who are/may be represented in this program, but are not limited to:	Intellectual Developmental Identify as Neurodiverse Autism Down Syndrome Cerebral Palsy Turner Syndrome Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Angelman Syndrome Central Auditory Processing Disorder Expressive Language Disorder Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder FragileX Syndrome Genetic Deletions IsoDicentric 15 Landau-Kleener Syndrome Learning Disabilities Phenylketonuria Prader-Willi Syndrome Epilepsy or Seizure Disorder Tourette Syndrome Traumatic Brain Injury Williams Syndrome Non-specified Learning Differences

REQUIREMENTS

Age Requirements:	18-28
Is a high school diploma required?	No
Deadline for Application:	May 2
Criteria for Admission:	Criteria (5.6 MB PDF)
Supports that are provided:	Vocational Academic Residential Independent Living Social
Program serves only students who have exited the K-12 system?	No

ACCEPTANCE, RETENTION, AND COMPLETION RATES

Acceptance rate for the most recent fall term:	90%
Retention rate for first year students from the previous academic year to the current one:	100%
Admitted applicants with these skills are commonly seen, but are not prerequisites. Students will have the opportunity to develop them directly during the program.
Minimum requirements for the program	Age 18-28 Intellectual and/or developmental disability Finished High School (certificate of completion, alternative diploma, OR diploma) Wants to go to college They have an idea about what they want to do for work after college Regional Center Client

COST

Average Total Program Cost (Tuition, Student Fees, Housing, Room and Board, Books/Materials, Program Fees):	Program fees $1,110 per 3-unit course: most students take two 3-unit courses per semester ($2220). Typically, four courses per year, totaling $4,440 per year. ($8,880 for 2 years). An additional semester fee of $172.00 for access to the student recreation center is required. Housing is optional and supported by Regional Center ILC services. Fees vary.
Is this a federally funded TPSID Program?	No
Out of pocket expenses for the program can be funded in the following ways:	DOR Regional Center Self-Pay Scholarships listed through Think College Foundations Private Scholarships
Average Out-of-Pocket Fees:	$9,000.00

ACADEMICS

Approximate percentage of all courses taken by students in the program that are inclusive:	95%
Do all students in this program enroll in at least one inclusive college/university course for credit or audit each quarter/semester?	Yes
University courses are for:	Mix of 3 (based on student preference or need)
Course Access:	Options for C/NC or grade Agreement with course faculty Academic plan Support with scheduling and enrollment Individual course support (e.g. tutoring, in-class support) Liaison with course faculty Aligned with individual interest/PCP Adapted syllabi MOUs
Credential(s) or certificate(s) students earn upon completing the program:	Current Explorer Completion Certificate
Is this credential/certificate approved by the college/university?	No
Students in the program have access to the following campus-wide services:	Student health center Student disability services Gym Computer labs Campus clubs Wellness Center Pantry Tutoring Center Career Center Identity Center University Events

EMPLOYMENT

Percentage of students in this program have paid work while attending the program:	~50%
Other career development activities include:	Resume writing Interview skills Job shadow Soft skills (e.g., communication) Job coaching Volunteer opportunities Advocacy in the workplace setting Internships (on-campus) Internships (community) Career Goal Setting Career Connected Courses Apprenticeships
Percentage of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program:	75%
Resources offered to students:	Technology/Laptops Professional Clothing Tutoring Technology Support
Program Partnerships:	Vocational Rehabilitation Department of Rehabilitation Department of Developmental Services Campus Career Services Campus Career Fairs
External Supports Partnerships:	Supported living skills Overnight residential support Peer mentors On campus supports ie: best buddies Intramural Sports Special Olympics Regional Services Support Public Transportation Coaching

HOUSING / MEALS

Are residential living skills a component of this program?	Yes
Housing Options:	Off-campus apartment
Are life skills a component of this program?	Yes
Housing is provided and arranged for students?	No
Are students able to live and work over the summer in the housing?	Yes
Are campus meal plans available?	No
Are on campus food options available?	Yes
Is there a food pantry on campus?	Yes

EXTRACURRICULAR / CAMPUS LIFE

Students can participate in student organizations and/or clubs on campus:	Yes
Students may participate in the following extracurricular activities:	Clubs Sororitiees/Fraternities Sports Affinity Groups Attend sporting and other campus events Access to campus Gym/Fitness center Independent activities outside the program Faith Communities Campus Museums Garden Spaces Concerts Signature Campus Events
Supports available to students in evenings and weekends:	Grocery shopping Peer Mentor Support Crisis and Emergency Supports Social activities Inclusive Campus Social Activities Programmatic Activities Social Activities