News

Celebrating the Class of 2023

May 12, 2023

Join us in celebrating the incredible achievements of our WCU University Participant (UP) Program graduates! Caitlyn, Kara, and Sam have worked tirelessly over the past two years to complete the program and graduate. We are thrilled to share in their joy and happiness as they turn their tassels this month!

With the WCU UP program, they have successfully completed an all-encompassing, on-campus, two-year experience designed specifically for them. Let’s take a deeper look at the amazing successes of these graduates and what’s next for them.

About the Program:

The WCU UP Program empowers students to reach their full potential by celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion. Caitlyn, Kara, and Sam have worked diligently over the past two years to complete the program. This includes classes such as social skills, independent living, and career planning. They have also made countless friends along the way, building a sense of community and belonging. The program has provided them with practical tools for independent living, such as cooking, managing finances, overall independence.

As they transition out of their college years and into the real world, Abound will continue to support them and provide guidance on how to navigate the workforce. We know that Caitlyn, Kara, and Sam will be able to take advantage of all life has to offer, achieving success in whichever path they choose.

In conclusion, we want to congratulate Caitlyn, Kara, and Sam on their remarkable achievements! We are thrilled to have been part of their journey and we look forward to seeing the impact they will make on the world. The UP program has provided them with the tools for independence, community, self-confidence, and success. We encourage everyone with I/DD who wants to gain skills and independence to explore this incredible opportunity. Thank you for joining us in celebrating the accomplishments of our WCU UP Program graduates!

Sam Jordan
Sam is looking forward to being employed at Wal-Mart in Mooresville while he plans to have an apartment of his own. Sam has had a great experience with the UP program and feels empowered to take on the world.
Kara Dankart
Kara will also be starting a new chapter in her life as she heads to Greenville to secure a position in retail while she finishes her garage apartment. The UP program has been an essential part of helping Kara prepare for independent living.
Caitlyn Chambers
Caitlyn is excited to be moving to Charlotte to find employment in customer service. With the skills she has learned in the UP program, Caitlyn is confident in her ability to navigate the job market successfully. She has expressed gratitude for the program and recommends it to any person with I/DD who wants to gain skills and independence.