Next Steps at Vanderbilt Summer Institute is a college transition program for rising high school juniors, seniors, and young adults with developmental disabilities up to the age of 24.
Institute dates: Sunday, July 14-Friday, July 19, 2013
We are no longer accepting applications for NSSI 2013. To join the mailing list for NSSI 2014, please complete this form.
For potential counselors:
The counselor application process for 2013 is now closed.
If you are interested in applying for a counselor position for 2014, please complete this form. Applications will be available mid-March.
Q: What is the purpose of the Institute?
A: Accepted candidates will achieve different goals, depending on their situation:
Please note that because of the above goals, the Institute is inherently geared towards new, not repeating, students.
Q: Can I sign my student up for the Next Steps at Vanderbilt Summer Institute?
A: There is an online application process for the Institute, which involves a non-refundable $25 application fee. Applying for the Institute does not guarantee enrollment.
Q: Does my student meet the criteria for attending the Insitute?
A: Criteria are:
Q: How much does the Insitute cost?
A: The tuition is $1,200. That includes room, meals, and all field trips.
Q: What if we cannot afford the tuition?
A: Need-based scholarships are available to those who qualify. These scholarships are for tuition only. Each family is responsible for arranging for and paying to get their child to Nashville. Scholarships are based on the following criteria:
| Annual Family Income | Scholarship Level | |
|---|---|---|
| Less than or equal to $25,000/year | Full tuition scholarship | |
| Between $25,001 and $50,000/year | 75% tuition scholarship | |
| Between $50,001 and $75,000/year | 50% tuition scholarship | |
| Between $75,001 and $100,000/year | 25% tuition scholarship |
Supporting documentation, the previous year’s tax return, is required for the scholarship application.
Q: What are the Institute’s primary activities?
A: Please click here to view the schedule and get an idea of the different activities in which students engage.
Q: Can I visit my student during Insitute?
A: One of the goals of the Insitute is to promote independent living skills. In order to work towards that goal, we ask that parents let their son/daughter enjoy the Insitute experience on their own. Parents are welcome at the welcoming ceremony on Sunday (the first day of the Institute) and the closing ceremony, the last day of the Institute.
Q: What is the student/counselor ratio?
A: The Insitute has 1 counselor for every 3 students.
Q: Is the staff support sufficient for my son/daughter?
A: NSSI is an exciting experience. Students should be independent and need little help with daily activities, such as dressing and self-care. They should be able to participate in group activities with little redirection.
Q: What will the student’s residential experience be like?
A: The students stay at a dormitory on the Vanderbilt University campus. Only NSSI staff, University staff, and students have access to the dorm. Because the dorms are on an access card system, people have to get special permission in order to get an access card and get into the building. Students have their own room with a desk and dresser. There is a kitchen in the dorm where students prepare meals. Counselors are on the same floor as the students.