Access ETSU increases student and community involvement

Access ETSU aims to continue to support students for the upcoming school year while also increasing involvement across campus. 

Access ETSU was founded in 2019 after nearly a decade of planning by faculty members from the Educational Foundations and Special Education (EFSE) Department in Clemmer College. The program offers support to young adults with intellectual disabilities who seek to further their education and career skills. 

Dawn Rowe, the program director, said Access ETSU focuses on preparing students for success.

“In partnership with area school systems, local agencies and the ETSU community, Access ETSU connects students to opportunities that will prepare them not only for competitive, integrated employment, but enhanced life outcomes,” said Rowe. 

This fall, the program will support 21 new and returning students on campus.

One way for students to get involved with Access ETSU and to increase involvement is to participate in BucMates. BucMates act as peers or mentors for the Access ETSU students and often attend classes, job interviews, social activities or internships together.

Any ETSU student regardless of major can apply to become a BucMate on the Access ETSU website and offer their support to the program.

“Volunteer hours as a BucMate can be used for various service obligations connected to different organizations or ETSU courses. In addition, we offer a digital badge that can be added to your resume and connects to your LinkedIn profile,” Rowe said. 

In addition to campus involvement, Access ETSU also has plans to increase involvement in the Johnson City community. 

“We are actively building our community partnerships and have recently worked locally with Johnson City Parks and Recreation, Hands On Discovery Center, and Good Samaritan Inc. We also work closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and Core Services to provide comprehensive support during each major life transition,” said Rowe.

For more information or to get involved with the program, please visit the Access ETSU website at https://www.etsu.edu/coe/access/bucmates.php or you can contact their email at accessetsu@etsu.edu.