Take Your First Steps
Interested in Bear POWER?
We’re excited that you’re interested in Bear POWER at Missouri State University!
Before you apply, read the information below to see if Bear POWER may be a good fit for you.
Is Bear POWER Right for Me?
To be considered for admission, you must:
- Have a high school diploma or similar document. If you are still in high school, send us your current transcript with your expected graduation date.
- Have an intellectual, developmental, or cognitive disability. You must have received special education services under IDEA ((Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 20 U.S.C. 1140, Section 760 (2)) while in school.
- Want to attend Bear POWER. You—not just your family or support team—should want to attend college at Missouri State and live on campus.
- Be ready to live on campus and have the skills needed to manage daily life with the supports available through Bear POWER and Missouri State.
- Be able to stay on campus without direct supervision for at least 72 hours.
- Have a cell phone and know how to use it.
- Be able to use email on your own. You will need to check your email regularly and respond to messages.
- Take responsibility for your choices and actions.
- Treat other people with respect and be able to participate appropriately in the college community.
- Have health insurance.
- Manage your medications on your own.
- Manage your dietary and medical needs with the resources available on campus.
- Participate in the Bear POWER interview process. Part of your interview will be on your own, and part will include your family or support person.
- Participate in your classes, Bear POWER activities, internships, and employment training if you are accepted.
- Attend the Bear POWER Leadership Retreat if you are invited. The Leadership Retreat is the final step in the admissions process.
When Should I Apply?
Applications are due by March 15 of the year you plan to start Bear POWER in the fall.
For example, if you want to begin Bear POWER in Fall 2027, your application must be submitted by March 15, 2027.
Priority consideration is given to students who apply by December 31. Because Bear POWER awccepts a maximum of 15 new students each year, we encourage students to apply early.
What Do I Need to Apply?
Your application is not complete until we receive all required information.
- Bear POWER Application
A complete Student Admission Application (online application)
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The student will first create an account and begin the application. You will also provide contact information for a parent or guardian. They will receive an email with instructions for completing their part of the application.
- PDF version located at the bottom of this page.
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There is a time limit of 45 minutes per page so you will want to save often.
- High School Transcript
Send us a copy of your high school transcript.
The copy you send with your application does not need to be official. If you are accepted into Bear POWER, we will need an official transcript showing that you completed high school.
- IEP, ISP, 504 Plan, or Person-Centered Plan
Send us a copy of your current:
- IEP (Individualized Education Program),
- ISP (Individualized Service Plan),
- 504 Plan, or
- Person-Centered Plan, if you have one.
- Behavioral Records
Send copies of any Functional Behavior Assessments or Behavior Intervention Plans from the past five years.
Don't have any? Ask your school to send us a letter stating that you do not have these records.
- Disability Documentation
Send documentation showing that you have an intellectual or developmental disability. This may include educational, psychological, or medical records from a qualified professional.
Some additional assessments may be needed to determine eligibility for financial aid.
- Three Recommendations
You need three recommendation forms from people who:
- Are not members of your family.
- Have known you for at least three years.
- Can tell us about your strengths, skills, and readiness for Bear POWER.
At least one recommendation must come from an educator.
Send the Bear POWER recommendation form link to the people you would like to complete recommendations for you.
We use Dynamic Forms for our application process. On your first visit you will be prompted to create a new account. You will be required to create a password so you may return to your form as needed.
There is a time limit of 45 minutes per page so you will want to save often.
- Guardianship Documents, If Needed
If you have a legal guardian, please provide a copy of your guardianship documents.
If you do not have a legal guardian, you do not need to provide anything for this step.
What happens once my application is received:
Step 1: We Review Your Application
The Bear POWER Admissions Committee will review your completed application and supporting documents.
Step 2: Interview
If you are selected for an interview, we will contact you by email.
During the interview:
- You will meet with Bear POWER staff.
- You will answer some questions on your own.
- Your family or support person will be asked questions about your and your readiness to participate in Bear POWER.
- You will be asked some scenario questions with one of the interview committee members.
- You may be asked to complete a reading and writing sample during the interview.
Step 3: Leadership Retreat
After interviews, some applicants will be invited to the Bear POWER Leadership Retreat.
The Leadership Retreat is a one-day event on the Missouri State campus. You will participate in different activities so we can get to know you better.
Parents and family members will also have informational sessions during the day.
The Leadership Retreat is the final step of the Bear POWER admissions process.
Step 4: Admission Decision
After the Leadership Retreat, we will contact you to let you know whether you have been accepted into Bear POWER.
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