Program Overview

Pathway Curriculum

The Pathway program at UCLA Extension is designed for students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. The program uses a "learn by doing" approach, promoting self-advocacy and individualized support to accommodate different learning styles.

Our Students "Learn by Doing"

Pathway courses are designed to develop career interests, workplace etiquette, and job application and interview skills. The program features a curriculum of core courses, audit courses on UCLA's main campus, UCLA Extension courses, and internships for students to choose from. Students who successfully complete the program receive an award of completion in Learning and Life Skills and are invited to attend the annual UCLA Extension graduation ceremony at the historic Royce Hall.

Skill-Building Areas

Pathway's strength lies in its carefully structured and evolving curriculum. Courses are comprised within the following skill-building areas:

• Academics: Pathway students earn an award of completion from UCLA Extension that includes successful participation in a combination of required coursework and electives.
• Career Exploration and Work Readiness: All Pathway students participate in a structured internship, typically during their second year. Most students experience two different working environments.
• Life Skills: While participating in Pathway, students receive life skills instruction from our partner, Level Up Solutions.

Required Courses

The following are required courses in the Pathway program:

• Time Management and Organizational Skills I: Students complete an inventory of how they spend their time, explore tools for effective planning and scheduling of time, and learn how to better avoid distractions.
• Time Management and Organizational Skills II: Students explore why they came to college and develop personal goals and plans to get the most out of their college experience.
• Health and Nutrition I, II, III: A series of three courses, students receive information and strategies for healthy living.
• Human Relationships and Sexuality: This course teaches Pathway students concepts and techniques to improve relationships with themselves and others.
• Career Development I, II, III: This series of student-directed courses prepares Pathway students for their fieldwork experience by focusing on a variety of career exploration activities.

Elective Courses

Students may choose from the following three opportunities to enroll in elective courses:

• UCLA Recreation: All Pathway students receive a membership to use the UCLA Recreation facilities, including fitness classes.
• UCLA Extension: Students may elect to take Extension courses, some of which may carry college credit.
• UCLA: Pathway students are welcome to audit undergraduate UCLA courses in any subject they choose.

Academic Advising

Each Pathway student is assigned a staff member that acts as their academic advisor. The purpose of academic advising is to guide the student in making academic decisions, taking into consideration their personal, educational, and post-Pathway goals.

Educational Coach Support

As part of the college experience, Pathway students are paired with a UCLA undergraduate who provides academic support and peer mentorship. This enables further inclusion on UCLA's campus for our students.