Last week, students from the Transition Academy at East Haven High School joined peers from the Hamden Transition Academy (HTA) on Southern’s Academic Quad for lunch, games, and socialization. While the gathering may have seemed casual to passersby, it held deeper significance for the students in these transition programs, which support 18- to 22-year-olds with intellectual and other disabilities.
For these students, transition academies play a vital role in bridging the gap between secondary school and adult life, a time when many face a significant increase in independence. These academies help ease the transition by engaging students in vocational, social, cultural, recreational, and independent living activities.
“For these kids, socialization primarily occurs at school, and they often go home without engaging much with others, or they interact online with their digital connections,” said Kristen L. Adanti-Pedersen, ’95, special education teacher in East Haven. “Through this program, we make a concerted effort to minimize phone usage and focus on enhancing their communication skills, which are essential socially and professionally.”
Led by Nadine Gannon, director of the Hamden Transition Academy and adult services for Hamden Public Schools, HTA similarly focuses on essential vocational training, employment skills, and hands-on work experience in tandem with personal growth. This year marks the 21st year of the partnership between HTA, Southern Connecticut State University, and Hamden Public Schools, a collaboration dedicated to supporting these students’ successful transitions into adulthood. As students prepare to age out of the program, many successfully secure employment or connect with agencies that can continue to support their development.
HTA is based out of SCSU, offering students a unique advantage in engaging with university departments and accessing resources tailored to their interests. In addition to job site training and community-based activities, the program provides opportunities to run a small, student-led business. These experiences help students build job-related skills and foster independence and socialization—critical for success in adulthood.
“We try to build on the vocational interests of the students,” explains Judy Terpstra, chair of the Special Education Department at Southern. “We have worked with STEM activities in the Library, students participate with SCSU students in Exercise Science and Recreation Therapy, and we have a new collaboration with the Music Department this spring. Students have jobs both on campus and in the community.”
During the students’ recent campus visit, Interim President Dwayne Smith met with them and reaffirmed Southern’s commitment to inclusivity and student development.
“Southern is dedicated to providing every student with the resources they need to succeed,” said President Smith. “Transition academies are a wonderful example of our mission in action, helping students gain real-world experience and achieve independence.”
President Smith went on to interact with each student individually, offering a friendly face should they find themselves on campus again.
“You are welcome here anytime, anytime you want to come on campus,” he said. “This program will make a big difference in your life. We have a great staff that’s working with you. I’m glad you are here.”
