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KSHEP

Category: UK College and Career Studes

  • College and Career Studies application open for 2025-26 school year

    The college and Career studies application is open for the 2025-26 school year.

    Apply to the University of Kentucky College and Career Studies Program, Fall 2025

    If you wish to apply for College and Career Studies (program at UK for the Fall 2025 semester, please use this link to get started: https://apply.uky.edu/apply/

    Please read and follow these steps carefully:

    • Once you have created an account and logged in, you will see a dropdown menu for the 2025 application cycle. Select the “Non-Degree Application” and click “Create application” to begin. (This option might also be listed as “Open application.”)
    • Complete the demographic and contact info on the following few screens as instructed.
    • When you get to the “Applicant Information” screen, under “Applicant Type,” select “New Non-Degree.” Under “Application Term,” select “Fall 2025 (Beginning August 2025).”
    • On the “Program of Study” screen, select “College and Career Studies (CCS)” as your major choice. (NOTE: Please read the resource provided on eligibility requirements before continuing to the application.)
    • Check box to acknowledge that CCS is the chosen program of your application.
    • Please continue to complete the application, sign it, and submit it. (You will be alerted if any required fields are missing.)
    • All students applying to any University of Kentucky program must pay a $50 application fee. This information and instructions will appear after you submit your application. The application will not be processed until the fee has been received.
    During the application, select Program of Study - Non Degree. From the Major drop-down, select College and Career Studies (CCS) Program

    What to expect after the initial application is submitted:

    Once you have submitted your application, it may take a few weeks for it to be processed and information sent to the CCS team. Once we receive your initial application, we will reach out to you to send instructions for the next step of the application process.

    Once you submit your initial application through the UK portal, it would be a good idea to start gathering any documentation requested or mentioned in the application – such as documentation of intellectual disability and high school transcripts. (You must provide these later for your application to be complete.)

    The application will be open through the end of May. (Interviews will not be scheduled until after the application has closed and all applications are received and reviewed—sometime in June.)

    Thank you, and good luck with the application process.

  • Ann’s Music Spotlight featuring Nick Teale

    Ann’s Music Spotlight featuring Nick Teale

    Ann’s Music Spotlight featuring Nick Teale

    Ann’s Music Spotlight is a media series showcasing local and regional Kentucky musicians. It is hosted by Ann Switzer, an alum of the College and Career Studies at UK, who now works as a mentor and media specialist at HDI. In this episode, Ann interviews Louisville singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Nick Teale. Thank you for listening!

  • University of Kentucky Celebrates Students

    University of Kentucky College and Career Studies Program Celebrates Students

    The Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky recognized the following Kentucky Supported Higher Education Partnership (KSHEP) students for their achievements in a ceremony on May 2, 2024:

    Completion of College and Career Studies program at the University of Kentucky

    • Sara Jones (primary focus on Universal Design, Animal Care and Support, and Storytelling in Literature).
    • Justin Harmon (primary focus on Universal Design, Theatre Arts, and Advocacy and Inclusion).
      Completion of Undergraduate Certificate in Universal Design
    • Callie Baesler
    • Kate Boudreaux
    • Will Lyon
    • Sara Jones
    • Justin Harmon

    Spotlight on new CCS alums:

    Justin Harmon

    The College and Career Studies (CCS) program at the University of Kentucky helped me achieve my dream of going to college.  

    I am thankful for the opportunity it gave me to attend many interesting classes, learn new things, make new friends, and experience campus life.  I will forever be grateful for my time as a CCS student at UK, and will always be proud to call myself an official Wildcat! 

    Justin Harmon, CCS alum
    Justin in front of UK Wildcat statue

    Justin in front of UK Wildcat statue

    Sara Jones (left), Ann Switzer (right), and Erin Fitzgerald (background)

    Sara Jones (left), Ann Switzer (right), and Erin Fitzgerald (background)

    Sara sitting with the UK Wildcat statue

    Sara sitting with UK Wildcat statue

    Sara Jones

    Things I learned in college:  ​

    • I learned ways to communicate effectively with others.​
    • I can use what I have learned about Universal Design and Universal Design for Learning in many environments.  ​
    • I learned that I am most interested in caring for and supporting animals when thinking about a future career.  ​
    • I learned to be an advocate for myself and others for resources to be inclusive and accessible to everyone.  ​
    • I learned that I can overcome challenges that come with being a neurodivergent person.  ​
    • I learned that I can be successful. 
    Sara Jones, CCS Alum

    Thanks to everyone who made the 2023/2024 academic year a success! Congrats to all the students who completed a milestone this year, and also to students who completed their first year. We can’t wait to see what you all do next!

  • Program Spotlight: University of Kentucky College and Career Studies Program

    Program Spotlight: University of Kentucky College and Career Studies Program

    Fall 2023 Semester Highlights

    Career Exploration and Community Engagement

    5 students are also working toward an undergraduate certificate in Universal Design.

    During the semester, practicum students explored their career interests by engaging in campus and community activities.

    Highview Arts Center | Theater Focus

    Justin helped the team at Highview Arts Center prepare for a sensory-friendly performance of their production of A Christmas Carol. He researched and shared information with them and also helped set up an area where attendees could go take a break during the show when needed. It was a HUGE success. Read more about Highview

    Lexington Writer’s Room | Literary Focus

    Will spent time learning about local and regional writing communities, and ways to connect with them. He focused on the design of both the physical spaces and also events and processes related to the literary community. He developed his own writing process and also connected with other writers to think about how he might engage more in the future. Read more about Lexington Writer’s Room

    Early Childhood Lab | Dance & Movement Focus

    Kate worked alongside another UK student, Kendall (a senior and dance major) to bring dance and movement activities to UK’s Early Childhood Lab. They presented dance activities weekly to the kids and took data on which activities were best received, and notes about how to ensure that the activities and spaces were well designed for all involved. Read more about the Early Childhood Lab

    Community Spotlight Podcast | Highlighting campus and community events

    Callie and Sara worked together to create a new podcast called Community Spotlight, which highlights things of interest on campus and in the community. The podcast was a great way to learn about different things happening in the community, and to make some connections with people and places of interest. Community Spotlight will also continue into future semesters with other students.

    You can check out the podcast here: https://hdikshep.podbean.com/

  • University of Kentucky College and Career Studies students launch new podcast: Community Spotlight

    University of Kentucky College and Career Studies students launch new podcast: Community Spotlight

    University of Kentucky College and Career Studies students launch new podcast: Community Spotlight

    Community Spotlight is a podcast highlighting different things on campus and in the community. It was started by Callie and Sara, two students in the College and Career Studies program at the University of Kentucky. Students explore campus or community events, resources, or activities each week and then work together to create a podcast episode featuring a chosen Community Spotlight.

    Listen to the Community Spotlight Podcast.

    Callie and Sara sit together, surrounded by a computer monitor with a paper-like sunburst behind them.

  • UK Launches College and Career Studies Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

    UK Launches College and Career Studies Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

    Continue reading on University of Kentucky news.