CFK promotes Project ACCESS opportunities

Students with intellectual disabilities, families invited to learn more about unique program at virtual event

Chrisfer Hyppolite, a student in CFK ‘s Project ACCESS program, studies on the Key West Campus.

KEY WEST, FL, February 4, 2025—The College of the Florida Keys invites prospective students and their families to learn more about its Project ACCESS program at a virtual information session on Wednesday, February 19 at 5:30 p.m. Project ACCESS is an inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. The personalized program includes academics, social activities, employment experience, and independent living. Students can participate in Project ACCESS at CFK’s Key West Campus or Upper Keys Center in Key Largo.

CFK offers an array of support for students in Project ACCESS including academic and peer mentors, success coaches, and academic advisors. Project ACCESS is a federally- approved Comprehensive Transition Program, meaning eligible students may receive Pell grants and apply to participate in work-study programs. Additionally, the College was awarded enhancement grants through the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities in 2017, 2020, and 2023 and is an approved Florida Post-Secondary Comprehensive Transition Program. Because of this funding, eligible students are awarded scholarships annually to offset tuition, fees, housing, and other costs.

CFK recently earned national recognition for its work with Project ACCESS students. The NRF Foundation named CFK their 2025 RISE Up Partner of the Year for the successful incorporation of RISE Up retail training in the Project ACCESS program.

Attendees of the virtual information session on February 19 will receive a code to waive the $30 application fee. Visit the College’s website at CFK.edu/ProjectACCESS to learn more and to connect to the virtual event. For more information, contact Nicole Gerrard, CFK Executive Director of Student Success Services, via email at [email protected] or phone at 305-809-3262.