Eagle Connections

Eagle Connections is a Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program (FPCTP) for students with intellectual disabilities. The program follows the mission of TCC and provides a course of study that includes academic enrichment, socialization, and personal and career development to promote employment and independence.

Academics

Eagle Connections offers the Employment Credential, which is 25 or more credential units consisting of required core courses and electives chosen by the student based on their career interests. Courses are inclusive and are outlined on the Advising Sheet. The program is designed for students to take 2-3 courses per semester with the goal of completing within 4-5 semesters, or 2 years. Students take courses on an audit basis and do not receive academic credit or a transferable degree. Rather they receive credential credit for each course in pursuit of completing the Employment Credential. Eligible students may take select courses for academic credit.

Advising Sheet: Eagle Connections Employment Credential

Campus Life

As  TCC students, Eagle Connections students are eligible to participate in and utilize the:

  • Clubs and Organizations
  • Library, Learning Commons, and Learning Specialists
  • Mental Health Counseling Center and Career Services
  • Gym and Intramural Sports
  • Faculty office hours 

A typical semester consists of attending classes, study time, life skills sessions, and social opportunities. Regular one-on-one meetings with program staff occur to establish and work towards person-centered planning goals through the Students Transitioning to Adult Roles (STAR) model from Project 10 Transition Education Network. Students are also expected to spend time on their own studying and completing assignments. Students follow College policies for attendance, code of conduct, and accommodations.

 Admission and Application Guide

Applicants must have or meet the following criteria: 

  1. A documented Intellectual Disability (ID) that impacts progression in a standard curriculum in pursuit of a postsecondary degree or certificate (Students may have co-occurring disabilities.) 
  2. Graduated with a high school diploma or high school equivalency (i.e. GED)
  3. Is at least 18 years old
  4. Has employment and community participation as personal goals 
  5. Is capable of mobility on adult campuses, including transportation to and from campus
  6. Displays a level of social maturity conducive to an adult environment (i.e. employment and educational settings) 
  7. Has the ability to maintain self-care and personal hygiene independently
  8. Has a support system committed to a collaborative partnership
  9. Has a reliable means of communication

Applicants must submit the following required documentation as applicable:    

  1. TCC online application for admission as a non-degree seeking student, including proof of residency. 
    1. Make sure to save TCC student ID, email and password. 
  2. Eagle Connections application including three reference letters.
    1. Eagle Connections Application Fillable PDF
    2. Eagle Connections Reference Letter
  3. Documentation of an Intellectual Disability and any co-occurring disabilities. Refer to SAS Documentation Guidelines (ID must be clearly stated)
  4. Copy of most recent educational evaluation or summary of performance (SOP) and may also include most recent Vocational Rehabilitation plan
  5. Proof of graduation/completion (i.e. official and final high school transcript or GED)
  6. Student Accessibility Services (SAS) application 

To receive the most resources and comprehensive services within the community, it is highly recommended that students complete the Leon County Schools Transition Program and register with Agency for Persons with Disabilities and Vocational Rehabilitation prior to applying for the Eagle Connections program. Vocational Rehabilitation clients should list Eagle Connections courses and supplemental activities on their employment plan. While these recommendations are not criteria for eligibility, they help construct a holistic, multifaceted approach to best serve and support students.

If interested in applying, please contact the program. Applications can be submitted throughout the academic year, with a typical due date of May 1st prior to the admitting fall term.  Once applications have been reviewed, qualified applicants will be contacted for a mandatory student and student support person(s) interview to determine admission into the program. If the program has reached capacity, applicants will be placed on a waiting list. 

 Additional Resources

Helpful Links

Program Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition: Tuition is paid at the current rate per credit hour at TCC. For most students, this is between $604 and $720 a semester. 

Books: Books are selected for each course by the instructor. Books can be purchased at the TCC Bookstore managed by Follett. 

Financial Aid Resources: 

Student Supports

Eagle Connections Program Coordinator: oversees the mission and implementation of the Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program at TCC. These responsibilities include student referrals and onboarding, hiring and supervising the program staff, partnering with campus departments and community agencies, and submitting and maintaining records and reports. 

Eagle Connections Specialist: helps with the facilitation of social and employability skills and the transition for students to internships and work experiences. 

Peer Mentors: act as positive role models for students and help them navigate new responsibilities that come with being a college student. Mentors undergo an application process, background check, interview, and training aligned with the College Reading and Learning Association standards. Mentors are not tutors, personal aids, faculty or parent liaisons, or counselors. Keep in mind that it is the full responsibility of the student to complete and submit their own assignments and exams for successful course completion.   

"Working for Eagles Connections has been an absolutely wonderful experience that has brought me many valuable opportunities to learn and grow as an individual. I am so grateful to have been a part of this program; there will always be a special place in my heart for the coworkers and students I had the privilege to work with." – Naomy, peer mentor

“I believe I have contributed to this program by providing our students with constant encouragement, patience, and establishing their own self-determination amongst other things.” – Brittany, program intern

In addition, the program relies on the team effort of departments across campus including Student Accessibility Services, Career Services, Student Services, Academic Affairs, faculty members and deans, and others. Partnerships include community agencies like Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Big Bend Transition Council, Leon County Schools, Keys to Exceptional Youth Success, Vocational Rehabilitation, and others. 

Image of CRLA Certification Badge Logo
Image of Disability Mentoring Certification Badge

 

 

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(850) 201-8430

eagleconnections@tcc.fl.edu

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