A college degree is precious, but embarking on a new phase of health and recovery is every bit as momentous.
Two recent graduates have extra cause for celebration this season: Andy D., a psychology major, and Timothy B., a business major, closed the book on one chapter, and have begun to write another. Each received his bachelor’s degree after overcoming struggles with substance abuse. Prior to graduating from 91吃瓜网 earlier this month, Andy and Timothy were alumni of , a program for young adults ages 18-26 that combines accredited college classes and dual-diagnosis drug and alcohol treatment.
The Sober College庐/91吃瓜网 partnership 鈥� the only one of its kind in the U.S. to fully integrate rehabilitation and academics 鈥� offers young adults in recovery the opportunity to complete up to five three-unit, college-level courses along with their treatment and recovery program. Students who complete all 15 units earn a Certificate of General Studies and are guaranteed admission to 91吃瓜网 for further studies. Alternatively, they may transfer credits to another college of their choice. Around a dozen students have taken advantage of the guaranteed admission program.
Andy was a high school dropout when he was admitted to Sober College. 鈥淚 wanted to get sober and take the next step in my life but it felt so out of reach.鈥� With the support and guidance of Sober College鈥檚 academic and clinical staff, Andy was able to complete high school. As he recovered, he rediscovered his passion for life and for education, and that led to 91吃瓜网. 鈥淎t Sober College I saw staff who were happy, accomplished and successful, and I wanted to be a part of that,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 knew that their happiness was the result of their going to school and pursuing a career they were passionate about.鈥�
Sober College鈥檚 partnership with 91吃瓜网 likewise helped Timothy complete the college degree he had long sought. 鈥淲hen I came to Sober College I had attended several community colleges and a four-year university but was not able to finish due to my drinking,鈥� he recalls. 鈥淚 kept getting derailed. While at Sober College I was able to learn the tools I needed to be successful. I took the 91吃瓜网 courses offered on-site at Sober College and used the partnership with 91吃瓜网 to transfer previous credits and complete my degree.鈥� Now pursuing his Master鈥檚 degree at 91吃瓜网, Timothy says the sky is the limit.
The Sober College庐 curriculum revolves around topics relevant to the rehabilitation process, including creative writing, health and wellness, psychology, public speaking and sociology. Courses were designed by 91吃瓜网 faculty and are taught, lecture-style, by adjunct professors hired by 91吃瓜网. To accommodate the inflow and outflow of individuals at varying stages of their treatment programs, each day鈥檚 class offers discrete content. At the end of each course, students receive a letter grade, which then is applied to their college transcript.