Co-Operative Career Experience Certificate

Prepare for competitive careers through inclusive classes and community work placements

The UIC Co-Operative Career Experience Certificate program (Co-Op program) supports students with intellectual disabilities to achieve competitive careers in the community. The U.S Department of Education is funding our program’s development with a Transition and Postsecondary Education Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities grant. Our program is also recognized as a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program by the U.S Department of Education, which opens the door to federal financial aid.

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Earn college credits

Earn undergraduate college credits for the courses you successfully complete. You will have an academic transcript just like any other UIC student.

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Inclusive coursework

Take classes alongside other UIC students. We believe students with intellectual disabilities add value to the classroom. UIC students with disabilities may request accommodations with the Disability Resource Center. Our team will help you get the accommodations and supports needed to participate in classes and complete assignments.

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Community work placements

Our certificate uses co-operative education methods. This means that our students learn through academic work in the class and through practical work placements in the community, which prepares them to pursue careers after certificate completion.

Learn from the best

  • Tamar Heller headshot

    Tamar Heller

    Co-Op Program Co-Principal Investigator, Department Head

  • Daniel Cochrane headshot

    Daniel Cochrane

    Co-Op Program Co-Principal Investigator

In the Community

Are you an employer in the Chicagoland area who would like to hire our students? We would love to hear from you! Please email Litany Esguerra.

Tuition and financial aid

Co-Op students pay tuition and fees at the UIC undergraduate tuition rate.

As a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program (CTP) with the U.S Department of Education, our students are eligible for certain forms of federal financial aid like Pell Grants and work-study. All applicants are encouraged to complete a FAFSA to apply for federal financial aid. 

We are currently growing financial aid opportunities and working with Illinois’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to open doors for merit-based scholarships and state financial support. 

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Questions?

Still wondering what the Co-Operative Career Experience Certificate can do for you? Contact us and get your questions answered.

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