Adult Transition Center leader named

Helping individuals with developmental disabilities is a passion for Victoria Hoskin, who was the obvious choice to be the new coordinator of the Adult Transition Center program at Sussex County Community College (SCCC).

Initiated through legislation signed by Gov. Phil Murphy, the center is a program for young adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and need help in transitioning from high school to the work force.

The program began during the spring semester and is expected to have as many as 10 students for the fall semester.

Open to those ages 18-24, it is intended mainly for students with developmental disabilities transitioning out of high school.

“These students may be unsure where to go from high school and need a little more support,” said Hoskin. “Unfortunately, some of these folks fall off after high school. We don’t want them to fall between the cracks.

“We also support parents who might need some guidance along the way. It can be scary for everyone involved, but it doesn’t have to be.”

The goal is to have the students successfully move into the work force. In the meantime, they meet twice a week off campus and one day on campus.

In the classroom, they take two courses: College 101 and Intro to Careers. They also tour the various departments and meet with key people to get a feel of opportunities that might be awaiting them.

The program runs for two years. Eventually, the college is expected to set aside space on campus for all the classes.

Another goal of the program is to integrate students into a regular college class so they can participate in typical college activities.

“We want inclusion with their peers,” said Hoskin, who has had similar roles for the past 15 years. “I am very passionate about supporting these adult students. I loved doing this. It’s very important.”

For information about the Adult Transition Center program, go online to sussex.edu/act