The Successful Postsecondary Access & Related Transition Activities for Neurodiverse Students Occupational Career Life Studies (SPARTANS OCLS) Program is for college-aged students who (a) have intellectual and developmental disabilities, (b) have not met the original admission requirements at SJSU, and (c) are interested in pursuing independent employment based on person-centered career goals. This program will offer an inclusive academic, social, and work experience curriculum to help individuals prepare for competitive integrated employment.  

The SPARTANS OCLS program is designed to align with the person-centered values of each student, therefore, each individual’s program path may be tailored based on experiences, supports, and needs. The SPARTANS OCLS program is currently a two-year (i.e., 36 credits), non-degree, non-residential program offered through the collaboration of the College of Health and Human Sciences, the Connie L. Lurie College of Education, and the Professional and Global Education at SJSU.  

The SPARTANS OCLS program consists of a minimum of 36 required credits, with academic courses offered in a fully inclusive format (which may be audited) alongside continuing education units (CEUs) for specialized job-related topics and internships. While students may access all courses in the SJSU Undergraduate Catalog, SPARTANS OCLS students begin taking 100- and 200-level courses. Peer Mentors will provide in-person classroom and tutoring support for enrolled students in accordance with CSU policies and accommodation allowances.

Program Completion Certificate

Students enrolled in the SPARTANS OCLS Program are expected to complete their programs within four semesters, meeting all requirements towards the Certificate of Completion in the SPARTANS Occupational and Career Life Studies Program. Students are also expected to maintain enrollment in at least 6 credits in fully inclusive courses that are offered in the university course catalog. 

Program completion certificate components include the following:

• General Education (GE) Requirements: At least 12 credits, must include 1 course from each GE area. Selected by person-centered planning.
• Job Track Requirements: At least 12 credit hours. Selected by person-centered planning.
• Supervised Job Internship(s) and Internship Seminar: This may include on-campus job placement/internships related to job track. At least 12 units of SPARTANS OCLS Internship Seminar.

Prior to enrolling in the initial semester and at least once in every semester, each student will participate in a person-centered plan meeting. During this meeting, goals and objectives will be identified in five areas including (a) academics, (b) career development, (c) independent living, (d) self-determination, and (e) community and campus engagement. The SPARTANS OCLS Program Coordinator is responsible for writing the person-centered plan after meeting with each student and parents and/or caregiver. The SPARTANS OCLS Program Director and Coordinator make recommendations for the SPARTANS OCLS Program Completion Certificate to the College of Health and Human Sciences, Connie L. Lurie College of Education, and the Professional and Global Education at SJSU.