Admission and Application Information

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Opportunity Orange Scholars is a two-year, non-degree seeking, academic certificate program at Oklahoma State University for students with intellectual disability. We accept students between the ages of 18 and 26. A new cohort of students will be welcomed each fall semester. 

 

Download an example of the application here

 

*APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2023-2024 ACADEMIC YEAR WILL OPEN THIS FALL

 

Admission Criteria

The two-year certificate program is for interested and motivated students who:

 

• Are 18 to 26 years of age by the first day of the fall semester of admission.
• Have an intellectual disability and do not meet the criteria as a degree seeking student.*
• Personal desire to gain necessary skills for self-determination, interdependent living, community engagement, and employment.
• Ability to identify basic support needs.
• Self-manage daily activities including medication.**

*The program adheres to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) definition of intellectual disability as “a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. This disability originates before the age of 22.” Evidence of significant limitations in intellectual and cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior must be provided in the student application packet in the form of a psychoeducational evaluation, a most recent Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and/or formal letter from a licensed professional with expertise in intellectual disability assessment.

 

**Opportunity Orange Scholars does not provide 24/7 supervision for students. Parents and applicants must trust scholars can make safe decisions without constant supervision and structured programming on evenings and weekends. The safety of our students drives every decision made by our staff. A student may be dismissed from the program if, in the professional opinion of our staff, the student is displaying behavior that could endanger themselves or someone else.

 

If you do not meet the above criteria and if you have a high school diploma with at least a 3.0 GPA and/or an ACT score of 21 or better, admission as a degree-seeking student at Oklahoma State University may be a better option for you.

 

Application Process 

• Applications will be available online October 2024 to apply for the following academic year
• Applications due November 2024
• All applications must be submitted electronically
• Admission to Opportunity Orange Scholars is selective. Meeting basic requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.

 

Application Materials

As part of the online student application, all applicants must provide the following materials:

 

• Name and contact information for three references
• Documentation of prior schooling (ex. High school diploma or transcript)
• Most recent Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
• Proof of diagnosis (ex: psychoeducational evaluation, signed letter from licensed clinical professional, etc.) – OOS requires documentation that lists a primary or secondary diagnosis of intellectual disability to meet admission criteria.
• Proof of guardianship if applicable (ex: court order for appointed guardian, letters of guardianship, etc.) – If applicants are their own guardian no paperwork is required. 

 

Download an example of the application here

 

These materials should be submitted electronically with the student’s completed online application. Materials sent now or sent separate from the student's application will not be accepted.