Transition Academy

The 29 Acres Transition Academy:

Live, Learn, Work and Belong

For young adults with ASD who are motivated to live independently in the near future, 29 Acres offers a two-year residential transition academy. The three major components of this program include living in our transitional housing, learning crucial independent living and career readiness skills through our proven curriculum, and gaining work experience through internships and jobs.

Live

Our transitional housing serves as students’ first independent home. Students live in homes with their peers in the Paloma Creek Community located in Little Elm, TX. Starting with the freshman class of 2020, students will spend their first year at the 29 Acres Living Community in Cross Roads, TX and move out to the Paloma Creek homes their sophomore year. Individual mentoring and support are provided allowing them to broaden their life skills by applying what they learn in the classroom environment. This highly structured and supported environment will enables students to build confidence by strengthening their life and work skills before transitioning to a more independent living option at the completion of the 2-yr. program.

Learn

Students take a series of 32 courses on career-readiness and independent living taught on the University of North Texas campus by our master’s level Academy Instructor. Our students are encouraged to take credit-bearing coursework if they are able, and will receive support in study and organizational skills from our staff.

Work

Students will benefit from our employment services, directed by our master’s level certified vocational counselor, such as career readiness classes, job preparation and on site job coaching. Students will participate in internships, volunteer work, and transitional employment during this time.

Belong

Everyone benefits from a sense of belonging. The 29 Acres Transition Academy provides an environment within our homes, the college campus and our job sites designed to help our students become vibrant, contributing members in all the communities where they are engaged.

We take an evidence-based approach

The 29 Acres’ Transition Academy is modeled after the Taft College Transition to Independent Living Program in California for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities.

This highly successful on-campus residency program has received national and international recognition for its outstanding 10 yr. outcome data.

What Makes Us Different?

• Modeled after a proven program
• Low staff-to-student ratios
• Serves as students’ first independent home
• Social & community-based programming inclusive of evenings and weekends
• Support students with classes at local colleges
• Long lasting friendships