The Bridge to Earning Learning and Living (BELL) Program is an inclusive postsecondary certificate program offered by Roberts Wesleyan University on campus for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are transitioning to adulthood. The program is a partnership between CP Rochester, Monroe 2 Orleans BOCES, and Roberts Wesleyan University.
The BELL Program focuses on authentic inclusive experiences that provide academic enrichment, socialization, and the acquisition of life and vocational skills necessary for sustainable and gainful employment. A key component of this program is that all members of the campus community can benefit from inclusive experiences.
All courses, activities, and work experiences are catered to students’ individual career goals and interests. Personal enrichment, independence, and preparation for competitive employment after graduation are goals for all students.
The BELL program creates opportunities for students to:
BELL Students work closely with support staff throughout the program to self-determine goals in academic, social, and vocational areas as steps toward meeting their overall program goals.
Roberts Wesleyan University undergraduate and graduate students serve as mentoring partners in two different types of roles:
Employment and Administrative Support
BELL students participate in a variety of unpaid experiences as they work toward the goal of competitive employment. These experiences prepare students for the workforce by providing them with hands-on opportunities to learn transferable job skills.
The BELL Program is administered by Roberts Wesleyan University, in partnership with CP Rochester and Monroe 2 Orleans BOCES.
BELL Students work closely with support staff throughout the program to self-determine goals in academic, social, and vocational areas as steps toward meeting their overall program goals. Students track and monitor their experiences on campus. Each student creates a presentation to present at the completion of the program showcasing their time in BELL.
The program design is founded on a person-centered planning approach for each student and includes academic, social, and vocational experiences that are created to foster exploration and personal growth.
The four semester program is designed to include a total of 60 Continuing Education Credits (CEU)* in the following five areas of focus:
*1 CEU = 15 clock hours. Target is 3 CEU per focus area per semester, or 12 CEU over the course of the program in each of five focus areas for a total of 60 CEU.
Successful completion of the program leads to a Certificate awarded by Roberts Wesleyan University, which indicates that students have met specific competencies in each of these areas.
The 2024-2025 Cost for this program is $6,525.00
Complete the "Free Application for Federal Student Aid" (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov, available on December 1st for the following academic year. The Federal school code for Roberts is 002805. See if you are eligible for the federal Pell Grant!
All students working with CP Rochester must apply for FAFSA, in order to consider using Self-direction funds and or being considered for scholarship funds from CP Rochester or Roberts Wesleyan University.
Contact Information
For general information
Mikaela Potter
BELL Program Director at Roberts Wesleyan University
585.594.6610
potter_mikaela@roberts.edu
For Students working with Monroe 2 -Orleans Boces
David Liesegang
Supervisor, Exceptional Children/SPED at Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES
585.617.2419
dliesega@monroe2boces.org
For students age 21-26
Laurie Gendron
Consumer Care Coordinator at CP Rochester
585.334.6000 x2281
lgendron@cprochester.org
