The primary focus of LifeWorks consists of four core areas: preparation for successful transition to independent living; education and training critical to finding and maintaining meaningful employment; opportunities to experience fulfilling leisure / social activities; and skill-building for developing and maintaining meaningful relationships in key life areas. We are committed to ensuring that each participant’s needs can be appropriately met by our program staff and resources, in the least restrictive environment. LifeWorks is not a residential treatment center and does not provide in-patient level mental or physical health care.

For enrollment consideration, applicants to the LifeWorks Transition Academy must meet the following criteria:

1. Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

2. Ages 21 to 30, not married, and have completed high school.

3. Must have the desire, capacity and motivation to participate in instructional course work and supported employment / career-readiness training.

4. Able to perform basic activities of self-care including bathing, dressing, maintaining personal hygiene, feeding and toileting.

5. Compliant with prescribed medications and can self-administer and manage medications with minimal supervision.

6. Able to communicate wants, needs, preferences and concerns.

7. Not require continuous supervision and have the ability to function safely without direct supervision while in their apartment, in the community, or while at their place of employment.

8. Does not demonstrate challenging behaviors that requires intensive support.

9. Does not engage in violence or severe aggression toward self, others or property.

10. Is emotionally and psychologically stable with no current or chronic history of addiction.

11. Applicant must agree to actively participate in all four core areas of LifeWorks’ instruction, training, and support and must be agreeable to including their legal guardians or parents concerning progress in the program.

Additionally, likely candidates for the LifeWorks Transition Academy will have the following characteristics:

• Motivated, self-directed, and possesses the ability to complete the LifeWorks program within the expected time frame.

• Has a full-range IQ of 85 or above.

• Has the desire, maturity level, and potential for independent living and entering the work world.

• Willingness to engage in typical social / leisure activities with peers.

• Openness to exploring / engaging in community life, volunteerism.

• No criminal history or excess debt.

If you meet these criteria and are interested in learning more about the LifeWorks Transition Academy program and the application process, please contact the LifeWorks admissions at 270.745.4380 or at lifeworks@wku.edu or simply use the Contact Us link to obtain more information and/or to schedule a tour of the LifeWorks campus.

Step 1 – Contact Us

If you feel you meet the requirements outlined in our Admissions Criteria and are interested in learning more about the LifeWorks program and the application process, the first step is to contact the LifeWorks admissions office at 270.745.4380 or at lifeworks@wku.edu or simply use the Contact Us link to obtain more information and to schedule a tour of the LifeWorks at WKU campus.

Step 2 – Tour LifeWorks

Prospective students and their families are strongly encouraged to visit the LifeWorks campus located adjacent to the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY. Having the opportunity to tour our campus and personally meet with our program staff is the best way for you to discover if LifeWorks at WKU is the perfect fit for you. The campus visit would also include a meeting with members of our admissions team to determine if continuing the application process is appropriate.

Step 3 – Submit Application

Following a campus visit and interview with our admissions team, you may complete our online application. You will also need to provide the following required documentation:

Psychological Evaluation (including IQ testing and adaptive functioning assessment) completed within the last three (3) years

High School and/or College Transcripts, also copies of IEP’s, 504 plans, or special accommodation records

History & Physical Report, provide a copy of most recent physical exam – must be completed within the past 12 months from date of the admissions application

Applicant Essay, provide a brief personal essay describing why you want to enroll at LifeWorks and briefly describe your goals for the next five years

Recommendation Letter, provide a letter of recommendation by a professional, such as a counselor, therapist, previous teacher, case manager, etc.

Step 4 – Interview With LifeWorks Staff

Following the application submission you will be invited for an interview at LifeWorks where you may ask any additional questions. This interview will also provide an opportunity to meet with the LifeWorks staff.

Step 5 – Acceptance Determination

Once your application and all supporting documentation have been received, the admissions team along with program staff, will review the information and determine acceptance. Additional documentation, screenings or interviews may be required. If accepted, a preliminary tuition agreement must be signed in order to reserve the participant’s place in the upcoming enrollment period.

Step 6 – Formal Acceptance & Enrollment Completion

After the application review process is fully completed, the applicant will be notified by mail. If accepted, the student will receive an acceptance letter along with a full admissions packet and formal tuition agreement.

If the applicant is denied admission, the admissions team will provide information as to how he or she may better prepare for the LifeWorks program, and/or information concerning other possible community resources that may be more appropriate for their individual needs.

The annual LifeWorks Transition Academy tuition covers the apartment lease, utility expenses, coursework tuition, coaching / vocational services, and case management support. Participants of LifeWorks have a private bedroom in one of our 16 two-bedroom apartment suites.

For current tuition rates and details regarding possible financial assistance, please contact our admissions office at 270.745.4380 or lifeworks@wku.edu.

LifeWorks is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all tuition directly benefits our participants.