THE UNION THE UNION

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Jennifer A. Graves, Director Employment training The Union EDGE Program School of Education, Union University Daily living skills 1050 Union University Drive Godly focus Jackson, 38305 Educational enrichment 731.661.5382

EXCELLENCE-DRIVEN | CHRIST-CENTERED | PEOPLE-FOCUSED | FUTURE-DIRECTED WHAT IS THE PROGRAM? WHAT ARE THE A two-year certificate program for students ages 18-26 who have completed high school and who have a FINANCIAL NEEDS? documented intellectual and/or developmental disability (IDD). The Union EDGE program will be a residential Once students are enrolled in the program, they will or non-residential program designed to aid in career pay $15,000 each year in tuition. If they choose to live development and employment skills. Students will audit on campus, they will incur residential fees for room college courses, participate in life skills classes, work in and board. There is limited financial aid available on-campus and off-campus internships and experience in Tennessee through the STEP UP Scholarship and the full range of college life. Vocational Rehabilitation grants. Because the Union EDGE Program is certified by the United States Department of Education, students may be eligible for Pell grants and other federal monies. But, we still need your help. Supplemental donor funding is needed to support the startup and continual costs of this WHY IS IT NEEDED? critical program. Of the 227 post-secondary education programs of this type throughout the country, five are in Tennessee. The Union EDGE program is the only residential program in the state. Each program has high application rates, with Vanderbilt and already at capacity for the fall of 2015. Studies have shown that students with IDD who had some type of educational experience HOW CAN YOU GIVE? after high school were much more likely to obtain We welcome the opportunity to attend to your personal competitive employment, required few supports and situation and help you explore the giving option best earned higher wages. needs a program suited for you. Some possibilities include gifts by cash, of this nature. check, credit card, stock or property. You can make a gift online at uu.edu/giving and designating “The Union EDGE Program” or by calling 731.661.5050. THE UNION

Employment training | Daily living skills PROGRAM Godly focus | Educational enrichment