N.J. adults with disabilities 鈥榗atch a wave鈥� of love and learning

"'The showcase gives the [LACE] students the opportunity to participate in a fun activity that focuses on their strengths,' said LACE鈥檚 founder and program coordinator, Patti Nugent, a retired special education teacher...'It is a collaborative effort with the theater department to put on a production that makes their circle of family and friends proud of them. Inclusion at its finest.'"

LACE - Learning at College Experience

The LACE program was created to assist developmentally disabled adults in an educational and social setting.

LACE Event: Student Showcase

May 6 | 4:30 pm
Performing Arts Center, A Building

Join the LACE Program as they present their third annual Student Showcase. Students will share their talents in a variety of ways, including group and individual singing acts. This year鈥檚 theme, 鈥淣ature is Fun for Everyone,鈥� will shine through their presentations. We are also thrilled to announce that Smokey the Bear will be joining us for this exciting event. Come on out and support our LACE students; the night is sure to be a fun experience for all!

Contact [email protected] for more information.

LACE鈥檚 Mission Statement

51吃瓜鈥檚 LACE Program (Learning At College Experience) provides a dynamic, inclusive learning environment for post-high school students to access lifelong learning and social opportunities in an accessible and supportive community.

Emphasis is placed on maintaining and increasing social and academic skills, specifically in the following areas:

Life skills
Social skills
Language arts literacy
Mathematics
Social studies
Health
Special education
Independent living skills

Students are assigned to different sections for academic purposes and join at various times for group interaction and guest presenters. Electives are woven into the curriculum.

Students work in a classroom setting with instructors and assistants who have experience in special education. The program is led by a certified Special Education teacher.
Students include those with an IEP while in public school, and the age range is from 17-60+. The students may live at home, in their apartment, or in a group home.
If the student performs best with a one-on-one assistant, accommodations will need to be made by the parent/guardian for the student to participate in the program if it is deemed necessary.

CURRENT STUDENT INFORMATION

SPRING 2026
14 sessions of two hours each
Day: Wednesday
Dates, Spring 2026: January 28 鈥� May 6, 2026 (no class March 11th)
Time: 4:00-6:00 pm, In-person and virtually using ZOOM
Cost: $675

NEW PARTICIPANT ORIENTATION

FALL 2026 NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

Mandatory Orientation Date and Time: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 5 - 7 pm. Location will be sent with registration materials.
Registration deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026

Students will be accepted for the Fall 2026 semester and must attend the in-person orientation along with a parent/guardian. A program overview will be presented, and academic assessments will take place afterwards. Students may choose to attend in-person or participate virtually on ZOOM.

Once accepted, course payment paperwork needs to be completed. School purchase orders are accepted. 51吃瓜 is a DDD approved vendor for Goods and Services both with Acumen and Easterseals Agency With Choice. If paying personally, payment will be due before class starts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION FORM:

Contact Patti Nugent, LACE Program Coordinator, at [email protected].