Pensacola State College
Project REAL

Access limited to local school district:

• Yes, Escambia

Age Range:

• 22-29

Program Length:

• 2 years

Students attend/audit classes with students without disabilities:

• Yes

Internships / Employment:

• Yes

Types of disabilities are included in this program:

• Intellectual Disabilities

Accepts special diploma, or other non-standard diploma:

• Yes

Accommodations available:

• Yes

Student Housing:

• No

Students will be issued a college ID with access to all college events:

• Yes, limited

Certificate options available:

• Certificate of program completion

Applications are available through the Escambia County School ESE Department District Extended Program.

Escambia County

Project REAL (Relevant Experiences for Adult Learners) 
   Pensacola State College 
   1000 College Parkway 
   Pensacola, FL  32504 
   Bobbie Harrison, Project REAL Instructor 
      (850)469-5316

Project REAL is a partnership between the Escambia County School District, Pensacola State College, Florida Inclusion Network (FIN), Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources Services (FDLRS), Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), and Project 10.  It is an individualized student-centered program of study that provides educational, vocational, and relevant adult life activities for students with intellectual disabilities 22 years of age or older.  It is one of the first programs developed in Northwest Florida. 

Project REAL creates independent lifelong learners who are connected to their community through employment, citizenship, wellness, and inclusion in all areas of adult life. This program offers students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in postsecondary education.

The REAL curriculum is individualized, person-centered,  and is based on the student’s individual needs, strengths, and interests.

The REAL areas of instruction are self-determination, functional academics, financial planning,  and money management.

Students obtain work experience by participating in internships on campus.  They may audit classes, participate in recreational, wellness, and social activities.  They access transportation, improve social and communication skills, share life experiences, and develop friendships.  They learn how to access community resources, attend and actively participate in their Adult Individual Educational Plan (AIEP), develop and use self-advocacy skills, and engage the support of provider of adult services that will meet individual student needs prior to exiting the program.

Project REAL believes every individual has the opportunity to learn.