Project NEXT: Navigating Excellence in Transition | Participant Testimony

I am an undergraduate student at Kent State University participating in the Project NEXT Grant.  I have benefited from being a part of this grant through the services provided to me by my Interventionist.  For example, when I needed to set up a meeting with a professor, my interventionist assisted in preparing me for the meeting. 

This semester, the book for one of my science classes was on reserve at the University Library.  I am visually impaired, and I needed an audiobook version of the book for this class.  My Interventionist went above and beyond to find the audio version of the book so I could continue the class.  In addition, I had issues obtaining approval for several of my accommodations.  My interventionist assisted in obtaining the approved accommodations I needed.  I have unfortunately faced many barriers that could have ended my college career. 

I am fortunate to have an extremely helpful Project NEXT Interventionist who assisted me in navigating these barriers successfully. 

My Project NEXT Interventionist has been available to help me through many situations I have encountered at Kent State University.  I feel fortunate to have found the dedicated professionals working on the Project NEXT Grant.

- Participant in the Project NEXT Grant, Undergraduate student at Kent State University

Clis Stauffer (Project Director), Olivia Strank (Data Specialist), Brandon Foster (Interventionist) and Caroline Foutty (Interventionist)

View the Project NEXT Informational Flyer Here

Participants of this research grant receive one year of academic and career support services. Project NEXT focuses on utilizing Cognitive Support Technology (CST) and vocational rehabilitation services to support students in excelling in the classroom and transitioning from college to a career of their choice.

Project NEXT is affiliated with the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Research Rehabilitation and Training CENTER (RRTC) on Employment of Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the VCU RRTC on Employment of Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities.

Time Commitment: One (1) year
Potential Compensation: $75 in gift cards for educational supplies
Project NEXT is IRB approved

Principal Investigator
Dr. Jian Li, Kent State University
jli42@kent.edu

For more information regarding Project NEXT please contact Clis Stauffer, Project Director, via email cstauffe@kent.edu, or by phone at (330)-672-0589. If you are interested in participating in the Project NEXT Grant, please contact Clis Stauffer and she will complete the referral form for you, or you can complete the referral form online here.