Introduces college readiness concepts to individuals with intellectual disabilities who are striving for college readiness. Must pass initial interview with GovState staff and have completed high school hours. Limited to individuals who qualify based on screening tools and agree to baseline assessments and intake process with GovState staff. This course is one of a series of courses offered through the School of Extended Learning. The course materials and schedule prepare individuals with mild/moderate intellectual disabilities to understand the rigors of maintaining a college schedule or work training program schedule. The course is specifically designed for individuals who wish to develop skills to assist them to obtain employment and/or engage in their community and the world around them. Course Fee: 299
September 16, 2026 to December 2, 2026, Hybrid

Course Description: This course facilitates the transition from student to professional by aligning vocational interests with real-world opportunities through the use of O*NET Online. Students engage in "Front Wheel" behaviors, such as drafting functional resumes, perfecting 30-second elevator pitches, and mastering mock interviews. The curriculum focuses on identifying workplace values and professional etiquette, ensuring that each student enters their internship placement with a clear "Quality World" picture of their career goals and the skills to achieve them.
August 31, 2026 to December 13, 2026

Course Description: This foundational course transitions students into the university environment by focusing on the "Internal Seat of Evaluation" and the mastery of campus resources. Students utilize Choice Theory to identify their five basic needs and build a "Quality World" gallery that aligns their academic goals with personal values. Through structured coaching circles, students learn to navigate GSU portals, engage with the Student Success Center, and utilize the "Total Behavior Car" model to manage the logistical and emotional demands of a college schedule.
August 31, 2026 to December 13, 2026

Course Description: This course provides the "Financial Power" required for long-term independence, specifically addressing the unique financial landscape for individuals with disabilities. Students learn the fundamentals of budgeting and banking while receiving specialized instruction on the use of ABLE Accounts to save for the future without jeopardizing essential benefits like SSI and Medicaid. By understanding the "WDEP of Spending," students develop the ability to protect their assets from scams and make informed choices about their earnings and resources.
August 31, 2026 to December 13, 2026

Course Description: Focused on the core needs of Freedom and Survival, this course provides practical training in the essential skills of adult life management and community navigation. Students engage in hands-on learning for route planning using GPS and transit apps, personal hygiene and grooming for the workplace, and household organization. By applying the "Total Behavior" model to daily routines, students develop the agency to solve logistical problems independently, ensuring they can safely and effectively manage their lives outside of a classroom setting.
August 31, 2026 to December 13, 2026

Course Description: Serving as a mastery-level "maintenance" session, this review course ensures that the practical life skills learned in previous sessions have become permanent habits. Students perform a comprehensive "Independence Audit" to identify areas for growth and use advanced WDEP planning to handle summer-specific logistical hurdles and community safety risks. The course prioritizes consistency and reliability, challenging students to demonstrate that they can maintain their autonomy and manage their time and resources with minimal supervision.
August 31, 2026 to December 13, 2026

Course Description: The Jaguar Jumps Internship is a 3-credit-hour experiential learning placement where students apply their classroom training to professional environments in the Office Assistant, Education, or Health tracks. Under the guidance of site supervisors, students demonstrate reliability, task initiation, and workplace social skills while earning a specialized digital badge for their professional portfolios. This intensive period of application allows students to fulfill their need for Power and Belonging while building tangible work history and professional references.
August 31, 2026 to December 13, 2026

Course Description: Designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities transitioning from high school, this course introduces the rigors of maintaining a consistent college and professional schedule. Students focus on building the "stamina" for 90-minute sessions while developing essential digital skills for Blackboard and online research. The curriculum emphasizes organizational readiness and the initial identification of community supports, such as DRS counselors and civic leaders, to prepare students for meaningful community and workforce engagement.
August 31, 2026 to December 13, 2026

Course Description: As the advanced continuation of the college readiness series, JJ2 pushes students toward greater independence in research, advocacy, and civic navigation. Students transition from being supported to being "self-advocates," learning to professionalize their communication with university staff and engage in advanced troubleshooting of digital workflows. This course solidifies the student's professional identity and prepares them to lead peer mentorship activities, ensuring they are ready for the high-level responsibilities of the upcoming internship sessions.
August 31, 2026 to December 13, 2026

Course Description: This course empowers students to move from being "externally controlled" to becoming the primary drivers of their own lives through the psychological framework of Choice Theory. By exploring the "Total Behavior Car" and the WDEP (Wants, Doing, Evaluation, Planning) system, students learn to take responsibility for their choices and self-correct their actions without external prompts. The curriculum culminates in the development of a personal "Success Plan," where students practice advocating for their needs and boundaries in both academic and professional settings.
August 31, 2026 to December 13, 2026

Course Description: Focused on the critical need for Love and Belonging, this course teaches students the "Relational Intelligence" required to flourish in professional and social communities. Students learn to replace "Deadly Habits" like criticizing and complaining with "Connecting Habits" like listening and supporting to build stronger workplace teams and friendships. Through role-play and self-reflection, students develop the ability to manage emotional triggers and navigate workplace social rules, ensuring they can resolve conflicts and maintain healthy professional boundaries.
August 31, 2026 to December 13, 2026

Course Description: This course equips students with the digital "Power" necessary to navigate a technology-driven world with confidence and safety. Students master the essential hardware and software required for the modern workplace, with a heavy emphasis on professional email etiquette, virtual presence on platforms like Zoom, and robust online safety protocols. By learning to identify and avoid scams and "external control" attempts online, students develop a secure digital footprint and the troubleshooting skills needed to maintain their own technical equipment.
August 31, 2026 to December 13, 2026

The Will County Jaguar Jumps Part 2 Spring 2027 Cohort is an innovative, multi-faceted course designed for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This course integrates post-secondary academic coaching, career readiness, transit independence, and specialized mental health literacy.
January 27, 2027 to April 14, 2027

The Will County Jaguar Jumps Fall 2026 Cohort is an innovative, multi-faceted course designed for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This course integrates post-secondary academic coaching, career readiness, transit independence, and specialized mental health literacy.
September 16, 2026 to December 2, 2026