Louisiana State University of Alexandria - SPERO    

SPERO

Special Program for the Enhancement of Resources and Opportunities for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

 

About the Program

LSUA’s SPERO program is a four-year inclusive postsecondary education program which aims to bring hope to the lives of our students by providing them with the resources and opportunities that will help them lead more independent lives and take up meaningful and rewarding employment in their communities. SPERO is an official Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP). SPERO focuses on:

  • Independent living skills
  • Social and communication skills
  • On-campus employment and workforce training
  • Social integration within the LSUA and CENLA communities
  • SPERO students will also audit two traditional LSUA courses per semester

 

Admissions Criteria

  1. Student must be between the ages of 18-28 upon admission to the program.
  2. Student must have an identified intellectual disability, as defined in 34 CFR § 668.233 - Student eligibility, that interferes with their academic performance.
  3. Student must have completed high school (with a regular diploma, career diploma, or certificate of achievement) but not be eligible for traditional admission to a college or university.
  4. Student must have enough emotional stability and self-motivation to attend classes, get along with their fellow students, participate in campus life, and adhere to program policies.
  5. Students must display appropriate university and classroom behavior. Note: SPERO cannot admit students who have had behavior plans addressed through IEPs in High School.
  6. Student must be independent in handling his or her own medication, specialized dietary needs, and/or medical needs. Note: LSUA SPERO takes no responsibility for specialized diets or medical needs.
  7. Student must have no current disruptive or aggressive behaviors. Students who have a record of past disruptive or aggressive behaviors must submit a clearance letter from a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or behavior analyst. The letter must verify that the past behaviors have ceased and will not, as far as can be reasonably ascertained, reoccur during the student’s participation in the program. Note: LSUA SPERO does not have personnel available to manage behavioral issues.
  8. Student must possess basic math/counting skills, including the ability to use a calculator; basic reading and writing skills; and basic computer skills.
  9. Student must possess basic self-care skills, such as toileting, eating, dressing, and personal hygiene.
  10. Student must demonstrate a commitment to work and a desire for personal independence.
  11. Student must be able to participate in a personal interview without prompting from parent or guardian.
  12. Student must provide the following documents: Completed Program Application; Copy of State Issued Identification; Copy of High School Exit Document; Copy of Official Medical Diagnosis; Copy of Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and/or Educational Evaluation that includes most recent cognitive, adaptive, and achievement scores or Psychological Evaluation that includes cognitive, achievement, and adaptive living scores; and, if applicable, clearance letter from licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or behavior analyst regarding past disruptive or aggressive behaviors.
  13. Student must have the potential to achieve his/her goals within the context of the LSUA SPERO setting.

 

SPERO Program Application

LSUA is happy to announce that the SPERO program is now accepting applications from prospective students for Fall 2024.

Please ensure that all sections of the form are completed. The form, along with additional documents requested, must be mailed by December 15, 2023.

All application documents should be mailed to the address below:

SPERO Program
Office of Academic Affairs
Louisiana State University at Alexandria
Mulder Hall, Room 130
8100 Highway 71 South
Alexandria, LA 71302

 

Please be aware that a limited number of students will be accepted for Fall 2024.

The application form can be downloaded by clicking on the button below:

SPERO 2024-2025 Application

 

Costs and Financial Aid Opportunities

Program tuition: $3900/ semester

Financial Aid:

  • LSUA SPERO is approved by the US Department of Education (USDOE) to award federal funding to eligible students enrolled in the SPERO program. To be considered for funding, each SPERO student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Because the SPERO program received US Department of Education approval, SPERO students are also eligible for funding from Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS).

 

SPERO Peer Mentors

SPERO mentors assist and support program students while they are attending their SPERO classes, audited courses, employment training, LSUA events, and community outings.

Mentor must be a full-time student, have an overall college GPA of at least 2.5, and have at least sophomore status.

The application form can be downloaded by clicking on the button below:

SPERO Mentor Application

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is SPERO a residential program?
    SPERO students are not residents on LSUA campus.
  2. Does SPERO offer transportation services to and from campus?
    Transportation services are not currently provided.
  3. How many participants are offered admission each year?
    Four students will be admitted each fall semester.
  4. Who teaches SPERO students?
    SPERO Life Skills Specialists teach SPERO skills classes and LSUA faculty and staff teach LSUA audited courses.
  5. Will there be student mentors?
    Each SPERO student is provided with traditional LSUA student workers that are peer mentors to our students. Mentors assist SPERO students socially and academically. SPERO students are accompanied by a mentor at all times.
  6. What type of certificate will the student receive after completing the program?
    Each SPERO student will receive a SPERO Certificate of Achievement after program completion.

SPERO Staff

Brittany Soden

Brittany Soden
Director of SPERO
(318) 427-4475
bsoden@lsua.edu

 

Trevor Ewing

Trevor Ewing
SPERO Life Skills Specialist
(318) 473-6495
tewing@lsua.edu

Social Media

Facebook

SPERO Freshman Class of 2022 - YouTube

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation Honors LSUA SPERO Advocates with The Angel Award®

LAPIE (southeastern.edu)

SPERO Katie and Tyler SPERO Katie and Tyler SPERO Katie and Tyler

 

Support SPERO

If you would like to support SPERO financially, contact:

Brittany Soden
Director of SPERO
(318) 427-4475
bsoden@lsua.edu