Located in Springfield, Missouri
Missouri State Bear POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Work, Education and Resilience) is an inclusive college program for students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Bear POWER is a five-semester residential program that provides the opportunity for students to continue their education beyond high school. Accepted students start in January of each year. All students choose an area of concentration they wish to study and attend inclusive classes alongside their peers, but with modified academic coursework. Missouri State student volunteers are program Ambassadors who provide support and integration to Bear POWER students within academic and social settings. A variety of internship-based experiences are included within the Bear POWER program. When students complete the program, they earn a certificate and walk in the graduation ceremony with their peers.
