EmpowerU
College experiences. Real world skills. Greater Independence. EmpowerU is a two-year college program at Hartwick College for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to experience college life, build friendships, develop career skills, and grow in confidence and independence.
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EMPOWERU at Hartwick
Students audit Hartwick courses, participate in campus clubs and events, work in an on-campus job, and can choose to live in the residence halls. Through individualized planning and peer mentorship, students receive support tailored to their interests, goals, and needs.
Our Approach
We believe everyone deserves opportunities to learn, participate, contribute, and belong. EmpowerU students are welcomed as members of the Hartwick community and encouraged to explore their interests, build confidence, and prepare for their futures.
What Makes EmpowerU Unique?
Real college experiences: Learn alongside Hartwick students and participate in campus life.
Peer mentorship: Every student has a peer mentor for classes and their designated on-campus job.
Individualized support: Students help shape their goals, course experiences, and support plans.
Residential options: Students can choose to live on campus and experience residence hall life.
Campus partnerships: EmpowerU collaborates with Career Development, AccessAbility Services, Student Experience, the Success Center, Tutoring, the Writing Center as well as the Perrella Health and Counseling Center.
Events & Celebrations
EmpowerU students and Hartwick students create and participate in events and activities to bring students together.
Our Stories
EmpowerU Expands the Hartwick Experience for All
Hartwick Announces EmpowerU Program, Offering College Experience to Individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities
Academics
EmpowerU combines college learning, hands-on work experience, and practical skill development to help students explore their interests and prepare for the future.
Academic Course of Study: Students audit Hartwick College courses alongside other Hartwick students based on their interests. These courses are not taken for academic credit.
Each student works with EmpowerU staff to develop an individualized academic plan and identify appropriate course modifications and supports. Students choose courses with staff guidance.
Every student has a peer mentor for their classes, regardless of individual support needs. Peer mentors help students navigate classroom expectations and participate in their academic experiences.
Workshops & Practical Skills: Students participate in workshops that may include:
- Communication
- Self Advocacy/Next Steps
- Financial literacy and money management
- Career readiness and résumé writing
- Campus safety
- Sexual wellness
- Executive functioning and time management
- Social wellness
During their final semester, students take a dedicated course focused on communication, self-advocacy, and time management to help prepare for life after EmpowerU.
Campus & Social Life
College is about more than classes. EmpowerU students are encouraged to explore their interests, build friendships, and take part in the Hartwick community.
Students can choose from a variety of campus experiences, including:
- Student clubs and organizations
- Intramural sports and athletic events
- Performances, lectures, and social events
- Residence hall activities and weekend events
- Activities hosted by campus departments and student groups
Hartwick’s Hartlink platform helps students discover upcoming events and choose activities that interest them.
On-Campus Employment
Every student is offered a paid on-campus job beginning in their first semester.
Every student has a peer mentor for their designed on-campus job. Peer mentors help students understand directions, and tasks.
EmpowerU collaborates with Career Development and other campus partners to help students explore job interests, identify positions, practice interviews, and learn about workplace etiquette and communication.
RESIDENTIAL LIFE
Students can choose to live in Hartwick’s residence halls and experience another part of college life. Living on campus offers opportunities to build friendships, attend residence hall events, use campus facilities, and take part in weekend activities.
Support in the Residence Halls
Students who live on campus have support from a peer mentor.
These connections help students navigate residence hall life, find activities, and work through everyday situations while developing confidence and independence.
Building Everyday Skills – Residential life gives students opportunities to practice:
- Managing schedules and daily responsibilities
- Doing laundry and caring for personal belongings
- Navigating campus and local bus systems
- Making decisions and solving everyday problems
- Building friendships and participating in campus activities
Admission
Students and families are welcome to reach out by phone or email with questions throughout the process.
Program Start Date: Fall 2027
Application Period Opens October 1, 2026
After receiving your application, our EmpowerU Coordinator will reach out to discuss next steps and answer questions.
Prospective students can tour campus, learn about the program, and ask questions.
Together, we discuss the student's interests, goals, and support needs to help determine whether EmpowerU is a good fit.
Important Dates and Deadlines:
October 1, 2026: Application Opens
January 2027 (date TBD): Campus Visit Day
January 29, 2027: Application Deadline/Closes
February 15-26, 2027: Interviews and Campus Visits
March 31, 2027: Acceptance Letters
April 16, 2027: Register for Classes
August 2027 (date TBD): Orientation
August 30, 2027: Classes Start
Program Fees:
Audit /non-credit fee: $325 (per credit)
Transition Program Fee: $4000 (per semester)
Residential students pay Hartwick College Room and Board. Prices vary depending on room and meal plan selection. Commuter students can opt for a meal plan. Both prices can be found here.
There are several payment options for EmpowerU. Most students pay through the Transition Program Services to utilize Self-direction funds through a Medicaid Waiver, while some students choose to Private Pay directly to the College.
Peer Mentors & Friendships
Every EmpowerU student has a required peer mentor for classes and their designated on-campus job. Peer mentors are also important connections who can help students discover campus opportunities and become more comfortable participating in college life.
Students can develop friendships through classes, jobs, residence life, clubs, and shared activities. EmpowerU staff encourage students to explore opportunities and build connections based on their interests.
Become a Mentor!
Hartwick students are encouraged to get involved and support students enrolled in the EmpowerU Program.
Springbrook is the primary mentor employer and will coordinate various mentor support services through an on-campus presence. Hartwick students can apply for the paid position through Springbrook, which will supervise the experience. Students will be hired by Springbrook to serve as mentors and can choose to also use the experience as a Hartwick internship.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please view the job description and apply.
ACCESSABILITY SERVICES
Kasie Pate, EmpowerU Coordinator
607-431-4905
[email protected]