Wayfinders - California State University, Fresno
California State University, Fresno
Wayfinders - California State University, Fresno
2743 E Shaw Ave #101
Fresno
, CA
93710
Note: This program is able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP).
Wayfinders is a 2-year non-degree independent living certificate program for young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Participants of Wayfinders increase their independence by living in student apartments, participating in work experience internships, taking classes at Fresno State through Open University, and engaging with the community.
Program information submitted: Feb 11, 2026
| General |
| Public or private: | Public |
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| Type of school: | 4-year college or university |
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| Is this program a federally funded TPSID program?: | No |
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| Number of students: | 40 |
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| Requirements |
| Program serves students who have left high school?: | Yes, all of our students have left high school |
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| High school diploma required?: | No, an IEP/non-standard diploma/certificate of attendance is accepted |
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| Deadline to apply to this program: | 30-Nov |
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| Criteria for admission: | |
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| Accepts out-of-state students?: | Yes |
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| Students in this program have these disabilities: | - Intellectual disability
- Autism
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| Planned program length: |
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| Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates |
| Retention rate for first year students from the previous academic year to the current one: | 80% |
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| Cost |
| Average student in-state tuition and fees for the current school year: | $76,255.00 |
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| Out-of-state tuition and fees: | $76,255.00 |
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| Room and board cost: | $15,500.00 |
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| Program specific fees: | $0.00 |
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| Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)?: | Yes |
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| Students pay for the program in the following ways: | - Private pay (student and family)
- Scholarships
- Adult intellectual/developmental disability state agency funds
- State financial aid
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| Scholarships available: | Wayfinders Assistant Grant (WAG) - The WAG is a resource for current Wayfinders participants experiencing unanticipated financial roadblocks that can impact program completion and well-being. WAG was established through generous contributions from the community and private donors. The amount of a single award is based on need as verified by the Financial Aid Office according to the student's FAFSA application. |
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| Academic |
| Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): |
- Typical college courses for credit
- Typical college courses for audit
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| More about course access: | Wayfinders participants are able to enroll through California State University, Fresno's Open University Program, which permits members of the general community to take University classes after enrolled students have registered and when there is still space available in the class. |
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| Are students in this program able to access support services through your IHE disability services office?: | Yes |
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| Students take courses that are only for students in this program: | No |
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| Percentage of all courses taken by students that are inclusive: | 100% |
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| Do all students in this program enroll in at least one inclusive college/university course for credit or audit each semester?: | Yes |
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| Students in the program have access to the following campus-wide services: |
- Disability/accessibility services
- Academic tutoring services
- Health services
- Mental health/counseling services
- Access to a transcript via the registrar
- Academic advising services (not program staff)
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| Employment |
| Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: | 100% |
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| Other career development activities are: | |
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| Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: | 39% |
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| Additional information about career development and work experience: | Through a comprehensive approach, we equip our participants with both practical experience and classroom instruction to prepare them for competitive integrated employment. Central to our curriculum is the Career Development Class, a 3-unit course offered in collaboration with Fresno State. Throughout the semester, students delve into crucial skill areas including work ethic, effective workplace communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and accountability. Practical exercises such as resume creation, electronic portfolio building, mock interviews, and soft skills refinement are integral components. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities through four semester-long internships across various industries, all provided at no cost for the worksite. Initially, a dedicated Wayfinders job coach offers on-the-job support and training. As participants demonstrate proficiency and understanding, the coaching gradually transitions to allow the natural support within the business environment to guide their development further. Our program fosters a dynamic environment where participants actively apply their acquired knowledge and skills, ensuring they are well-prepared to not only secure but also thrive in meaningful employment opportunities. |
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| Does this program have a working partnership with VR to provide funding, supports and/or services to students in the program? | No |
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| Housing |
| Housing is provided to students?: | Yes |
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| Housing options available: | |
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| Residential supports for students who live in college/university housing: | - Intermittent or on-call staff support
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