Florida State College - Jacksonville
VERTICAL
101 West State St.
Jacksonville , FL 32202
101 West State St.
Jacksonville , FL 32202
Note: This program is able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP).
| Program Contact | Alka Thakur |
| Program Contact Email | VERTICAL@fscj.edu |
| Program Phone | 9046323041 |
| Website | Program website |
VERTICAL (Vocational and Employment Readiness Training in Comprehensive Adult Learning) is an interactive learning program that equips students with unique abilities to obtain valuable vocational and employment readiness training. The program allows students to take FSCJ classes on campus, engage in campus clubs and activities, participate in internships, and earn credentials relevant to employment.VERTICAL is designed to prepare students for independent living and occupational success. Scholarships are available to every student accepted into the VERTICAL program.Eligibility Requirements*Be 18 years of age or older*Have a documented intellectual disability (IQ score of 70 or below or low adaptive skills).*Graduated high school/accepted diploma*Be able to independently perform classroom tasks, access transportation, provide self-care, and demonstrate appropriate behaviors.*Client of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) or willingness to become one
Program information submitted: Feb 10, 2026
| General | |
|---|---|
| Public or private: | Public |
| Type of school: | 4-year college or university |
| Is this program a federally funded TPSID program?: | No |
| Number of students: | 7 |
| Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Program serves students who have left high school?: | Yes, all of our students have left high school |
| High school diploma required?: | Yes, a regular high school diploma or GED is required |
| Deadline to apply to this program: | March 6, 2026 for the fall 2026 cohort |
| Admission link: | Program admission |
| Criteria for admission: |
|
| Accepts out-of-state students?: | No |
| Students in this program have these disabilities: |
|
| Planned program length: |
|
| Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates | |
|---|---|
| Retention rate for first year students from the previous academic year to the current one: | 85% |
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Average student in-state tuition and fees for the current school year: | $1,314.00 |
| Out-of-state tuition and fees: | $0.00 |
| Room and board cost: | $0.00 |
| Program specific fees: | $0.00 |
| Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)?: | Yes |
| Students pay for the program in the following ways: |
|
| Scholarships available: | Scholarships are available for qualifying students the FCSUA |
| Scholarship link: | FCSUA Scholarships for Students |
| Academic | |
|---|---|
| Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): |
|
| More about course access: | In Year 2 of the VERTICAL program, students are able to take traditional college courses. Students can choose from the following pathways: Information Technology, Digital Media, Office Administration, Welding, and Nursing. |
| Students take courses that are only for students in this program: | Yes |
| Information on special classes: | Students take career readiness courses that are only for students in the VERTICAL program. These classes are to prepare students for the workplace and include inclusive internships,activities, and programs. |
| Percentage of all courses taken by students that are inclusive: | 50-74% |
| Do all students in this program enroll in at least one inclusive college/university course for credit or audit each semester?: | No |
| Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program: | Specialized Career Instruction Certificate |
| Is the credential approved by the college/university?: | Yes, this credential has been through a formal approval process at the IHE |
| Other than the credential listed above, can students earn any other credentials that are available to all students?: | OSHA 10, CPR, Florida Ready to Work-Digital Skills, Florida Ready to Work-Soft Skills, Guest Services Gold, and ServSafe. If students complete their pathways, they can earn their certificate in Digital Media, Information Technology, Nursing, Welding and Office Administration. |
| Students in the program have access to the following campus-wide services: |
|
| Employment | |
|---|---|
| Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: | 100% |
| Other career development activities are: |
|
| Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: | 0% |
| Additional information about career development and work experience: | Students participate in a personal internship and a cohort internship at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown, Jacksonville |
| Does this program have a working partnership with VR to provide funding, supports and/or services to students in the program? | Yes |
| Housing | |
|---|---|
| Housing is provided to students?: | No |
| Extracurricular | |
|---|---|
| Students participate in student organizations on campus: | Yes |
| Percentage of social time spent in inclusive activities (open to all students on campus): | 50-74% |
| Students may participate in the following extra-curricular activities: |
|
| Students participate in these campus-wide events: |
|