Next Step at Vanderbilt University

Next Step is a 2-year certification program for students with intellectual disabilities, providing individualized Programs of Study in the areas of education, social skills, and vocational training.

Application and Admission Information

Applications are now being accepted for the Next Step, 2-year certificate program. The second class of Next Step students will begin August 2010.

Young adults seeking admission to Next Step should be between 18 and 29 years old, have completed their high school studies, and have a strong desire to go to college and learn skills that will enable them to live more independently. They need to have families who support this goal.

To request an admissions packet, call (615) 343-0822 or download the application files below. A $50 processing fee is required for each application, payable to the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Next Step Program.

Once complete application packets have been received and reviewed, selected candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. Students and parents are strongly advised to participate in a campus tour prior to their interview date.

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Subsequent selected candidates will then be asked to participate in a Training Day on campus. This day is designed to afford the potential students and staff more time to decide if Next Step will be a good match for all.