Program Details

What is Bear POWER?

Bear POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Work, Education and Resilience) is a program for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This program follows high school graduation. Earn a nondegree certificate when you complete this two year, five semester program (excluding summer). After graduation, you will be ready to find a job that matches your skills and dreams.

How Does Bear POWER work?

Your classes

As a student in Bear POWER, you will take traditional coursework offered through the MSU course catalog in your area of interest. You will also enroll in one Academic Support Session each semester that will focus on job readiness skills and will be offered through Bear POWER. You have the option of auditing courses as noncredit or taking courses for credit. You will receive grades in all courses, whether you are taking them for audit or credit, that will go towards your certificate of completion.

Independent living

Living on campus is a vital part of the college experience. You’ll gain independence, self-determination and life skills. Like all residents, there will be rules and regulations to follow from Missouri State University Residence Life. Here is information about Hutchens House!

Job readiness

During your first two semesters, you will create a Person Centered Plan. This allows you to identify your interests in employment areas upon graduation. Within the third semester you will work on developing a resume and interviewing. It is required to take part in internship experiences, both on campus and within the community.

Information on FERPA in College

If you're a student, it's important for you to understand your rights under FERPA. If you're a
parent, you'll need to understand how the law changes once your student enters a postsecondary institution. If you're a University employee, you'll need to understand what information can and cannot be released, and the appropriate procedures for release of student information. Find out more about FERPA in college.