Bear POWER - Promoting Opportunities for Work, Education and Resilience for those with intellectual disabilities.

We need your help to provide the ultimate college experience for individuals with disabilities! MSU is developing a new, two-year inclusive college program for people, ages 18-26, with intellectual disabilities called Bear POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Work, Education and Resilience.)

Initial funding is needed to get the program up and running, to provide a dedicated staff person and for student scholarships.

Bear POWER will be modeled after successful programs at other universities. These programs provide education beyond high school for students with intellectual disabilities and provide the support they need to succeed in the on-campus setting.  This builds confidence, life skills and educational experiences providing an increased opportunity for future employment and experiences. 

Bear POWER is still in the planning stages, but it will include a residential component so these students can experience campus life. Plans also include a student led volunteer organization called Bear Blazers who will provide support and integration within academic and social settings. 

Upon completion, these students will receive a certificate and walk at the graduation ceremony alongside their peers. Collaborative partnerships will be made with community partners to provide internship experiences and employment for Bear POWER students post graduation.

Please make a gift today and become an advocate to help make this program a reality and help set the Bear POWER students on the path to success! Thank you for the generous donation of $10,000 from Rich and Jana Bachus to help start Bear POWER at Missouri State!

If you have any questions about this project, please contact BearPOWER@missouristate.edu.

You will receive a receipt by email for your tax-deductible contribution. Thank you so much for your support! 

Missouri State alumni that make a qualifying gift of $25 or more receive an Active Alumni Member card.

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Campaign thumbnail photo: Used with permission. © Lifetouch National School Studios Inc. 

To read a transcript of the video, click here to download.