‘Part of Our Herd’: Where the Learning Continues Program Gets New Home

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — A West Texas A&M University higher education experience for students with intellectual disabilities now will be housed in the heart of the WT campus, thanks to generous community support.

Where the Learning Continues offers select students the chance to strengthen their academic knowledge, social skills and unique abilities in a way that nurtures confidence and inspires independence.

The program, part of WT’s Extended Studies department, previously was housed in Old Sub.

Thanks to generous support by the Slentz Foundation, the program is now housed in Old Main. The classroom area has expanded to include a kitchen, smartboards, a fully stocked science lab, a growing lab for plants and seeds, and more.

“The most valuable skills we can instill in our WTLC students are self-advocacy, self-esteem and confidence, which is what we want for all of our students,” said Andrea Porter, director of WT’s Extended Studies program. “WT students and the campus provide a safe and supportive environment for WTLC students to practice and engage in social interactions, business transactions and help-seeking behaviors so that when they graduate, they are prepared to be more independent and job-ready.”

“It gives me great pride and pleasure as the president of WT to interact with students who help make this University a special place of learning and living,” University President Dr. Walter Wendler said at the open house. “Buffaloes are herd animals, and we’re proud to have the WTLC students as part of our herd and celebrate their successes on campus.”

Students are selected following an application and interview process. Space is limited to 10.

Classes are held from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays during the fall and spring semesters. Topics include mathematics, science, writing, life skills, computing and social studies. Students also participate in speech and communication class, paid internship opportunities on campus through Aramark and SSC, and Homecoming. They also receive free admission to all sporting and fine arts events.

After completing eight semesters, students participate in the WT commencement ceremonies and are presented with a certificate of completion in a degree cover.

“For many, this means that all family members are able to go to college. For some, this is the first generation to go to college,” Porter said. “You will not find students happier to be at school every day than our WTLC students. They are a true group of learners, and I am proud every day to see them helping and tutoring each other in their school work, cheering at each other’s successes on tests and meeting up together for events after school.”

Degree-seeking WT students also benefit. Partnerships with such areas as the Department of Communication Disorders allow its students to practice their craft with the WTLC students, while those students learn additional, valuable social and communication skills.

Putting students first is a high priority of the University’s long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. With enrollment of more than 10,000, WT offers 60 undergraduate degree programs, 40 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 15 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WTAMU—