Calais 12 Plus students who are interested in attending college but need some extra support can benefit from our college bridge program in partnership with County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph, NJ.

Eligible Calais 12 Plus students are selected for the CCM Bridge Program based on their IEP and input from parents/guardians, student, counseling, case manager, guidance counselor and Work Based Learning Coordinator. Participating students must also apply and be accepted as a student at CCM. Transportation is provided to and from the CCM campus.

Calais’ CCM Bridge Program helps students ease into the rigors of college level work with a reduced course load and continued access to our Transition Program team, school guidance counselor, school psychologist and counseling team. On campus support is provided by a Calais School Transition team member who assists students with: navigating the college campus, communicating with professors, registering for classes, using Accessibility Services and developing study habits. Students benefit from weekly check-ins to monitor progress and work through challenges.

Independence is an important part of the college experience. While students have support from Calais staff, they will also have the freedom to make the most of campus life. Students will learn to self-advocate, meet deadlines, problem solve and develop independent living skills that will help them to navigate the demands of college life. All students attend class independently, which helps them develop a sense of belonging at CCM. Popular classes selected by recent students include English Composition I and II, Creative Writing, Multimedia I and II, American Government, World Languages as well as courses in information technology and more.

The program also serves as a springboard for social engagement and opportunities to join CCM clubs, events and honor societies. Calais 12 Plus students have also participated in career-based programs such as the CCM Culinary Opportunities Program (COP) on campus. COP provides critical training and qualifications for adults with developmental disabilities, to work in a range of food production environments, including restaurants, cafeterias and specialty shops.