SUCCEED is a two-year program providing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to live on-campus at the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL), while taking classes that help them focus on employment that matches their abilities and interests.
Through assistance and support by the St. Louis Arc, SUCCEED students fulfill important life goals by attending college, attaining optimal employment and having the skills to live in their communities with natural supports. SUCCEED provides an avenue to lifelong learning, the development of deep lifelong friendships and skill-building for an individual to maximize their success. The St. Louis Arc helped select and modify the curriculum for the program and has been responsible for providing training on I/DD for UMSL’s residential life staff and campus security.
New post-secondary programs are opening every year and students and families are becoming aware that they can and should have the opportunity to go to college. The unique partnership between the UMSL and St. Louis Arc positions SUCCEED as an exemplary, replicable model for other communities that recognize the benefits of embedding the expertise of a community service provider within an academic program of excellence.
“The St. Louis Arc’s partnership with CQL has kept us focused on providing services of the highest quality. It is a tremendous honor for our organization to be recognized by CQL with the Award of Excellence” says Mark A. Keeley, President and CEO of the St. Louis Arc.
The mission of the St. Louis Arc is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to lead better lives by providing a lifetime of high-quality services, family support and advocacy.
Through respect, collaboration and empowerment, they see a day when all people are fully accepted and valued by the community for unique gifts and contributions.
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Since 1969, CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership has been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. CQL offers accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services to agencies that share our vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.
St. Louis Arc’s SUCCEED Receives 2015 CQL Award of Excellence