UW-Whitewater LIFE Program

UW-Whitewater LIFE Program

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater LIFE (Learning is for Everyone) Program provides a complete college experience for young adults between the ages of 18-25 who have an intellectual disability. With ample supports, specialized instruction, on-campus residential living, and community integration, the program serves a critical need by providing access and opportunity for students who have historically been underrepresented in higher education. The program has two components, which includes a Basic Program (2 years) and an Advanced Program (2 years) that are designed to facilitate personal growth, independent living, and employment success.


LIFE student smiling during a car ride.

A Day in the LIFE

LIFE students having dinner together

Student Opportunities

Red leaves on tree in the fall on UWW campus.

Meet the Staff

Student working on project with help from student teacher.

Is LIFE Right for My Student?

LIFE staff clapping their hands with a LIFE student smiling.

Areas of Instruction

Tuition and Housing

Tuition & Housing

LIFE student showing off cooking skills

Application

LIFE students pose with Willie the Warhawk at a football game.

Donate Now

Program Highlights

  • Comprehensive supports that are designed to prepare them for competitive employment and independent living to the greatest extent possible

  • Specialized instruction, with an emphasis on skills that students need in order to be successful in personal and professional endeavors

  • Expansive resident assistant supports designed to help students develop essential skills in non-academic domains

  • Expose students to a college experience, which spans far beyond traditional academics

  • Integration with multiple facets of campus life, thereby providing many inclusive opportunities and meaningful networks of support

  • Dismantles barriers and creates substantive opportunities for students with an intellectual disability

  • Prepares students to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle, including regular exercise and participation in enjoyable leisure activities

LIFE

Program Mission

  • Prepare students for competitive employment

  • Prepare students for independent living

  • Prepare students to live a healthy & balanced lifestyle

  • Exposure to a complete college experience

FAQS

Prepare students for competitive employment, independent living, to live a healthy & balanced lifestyle, and expose students to a complete college experience.

Licensed special educators.

Completion of LIFE application, which includes high school transcript, results from a physical examination, documentation of intellectual disability, proof of health insurance, three letters of recommendation, and a recent photo.

Students receive a certificate of completion from the university (not a degree).

Both the Basic Program and Advanced Program are 2 years

We have limited visit opportunities throughout the academic year. If you are part of a group of 10 or more that would like to schedule a time outside of those visit opportunities, please feel free to request a group tour with UW-Whitewater Admissions. Simply mention that you are interested in UW-Whitewater LIFE, and they will be able to personalize that for you.

LIFE students are eligible for Federal Financial Aid as well as the use of IRIS benefits/self-directed funds.

If students have a legal driver’s license, they are allowed to have a car on campus. Campus permits are required to park and can be purchased through parking services.

The LIFE program is a residential program where students are required to live on-campus in a residence hall.

Please email  lifeprogram@uww.edu or call 262-472-1905 if you have any questions about this program. Students who complete this program will receive a certificate of completion, rather than a degree from the university.

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More to Explore

  • Student working on project with help from student teacher.

    Is LIFE Right for My Student?

  • LIFE students having dinner together

    Student Opportunities

  • LIFE student smiling during a car ride.

    A Day in the LIFE

  • Red leaves on tree in the fall on UWW campus.

    Meet the Staff

  • LIFE staff clapping their hands with a LIFE student smiling.

    Areas of Instruction

  • Tuition and Housing

    Tuition & Housing

  • LIFE student showing off cooking skills

    Application

  • LIFE students pose with Willie the Warhawk at a football game.

    Donate Now