Welcome to Frequently Asked Questions. To navigate through questions, please click the topic categories below. You may also search the questions by clicking the search icon below.
What is NTC?
What does NTC do?
Nebraska Transition College, or NTC, is a non-profit that helps young adults with Asperger’s/Autism or other learning differences to figure out the world of “adulting;” to learn, work, and live on their own in a way they choose. NTC does this by offering classes and practical application that focuses on strengthening social interaction skills, living skills, and work-ready skills. Our courses, currently offered online, fall into the topic themes of wellness, community navigation, social relationships, civic responsibility, vocational/pre-vocational, and residential living, culminating in an optional 12-month apartment living experience.
Is there a building or campus I go to? A dorm I move into?
NTC does not have a centralized campus or dorms. A centralized campus and dorms are expensive and create a situation where students have to travel to where NTC is. Our goal is to keep our program as accessible as possible in terms of cost and availability. We currently offer classes in an online format through Zoom and Google Classroom.
Do my credits at NTC transfer?
No. Our curriculum is not academic in nature; we are not an academically accredited organization.
What does a typical student look like?
- Our students come to us starting as early as seniors in high school and have a verified disability. There is not an upper age limit, but most of our students are between 18-25 years old.
- Some students drive, some have a part time job, some are taking courses from a community or four-year college.
- Students may be preparing to complete high school and plan to take a full course load at NTC. Others are taking 1-2 NTC courses while continuing work and or take other classes.
- Our students would describe themselves as “high-functioning” and live with their family. They are motivated to develop needed skills to reach their goals, including living independently.
What are the instructors like?
With a wide variety of courses, we have credentialed, experienced instructors with different backgrounds; special education teachers, licensed therapists and counselors, transition coaches, and vocational specialists. We incorporate subject experts as guest speakers where logical. Click here to see our instructor profiles.
Is NTC For Me?
How Can I Tell if NTC is for me?
- You may want to feel connected, understood and empowered to tackle adult life.
- You may be feeling anxious about the future. Does your upcoming high school graduation feel less like a celebration and more like a scary step into the unknown? If you have already graduated, does it feel like everyone else has moved on to college or started a job? Perhaps you jumped into a full-time college or work schedule and became overwhelmed. Maybe you feel like you aren’t quite ready for all that.
- You might have some trouble with social interactions and “unwritten” social rules that seem inconsistent. You might not adjust to lots of changes or sudden changes very well.
- You know you’re smart but wonder why some seemingly basic things are so hard to figure out.
- You want to move out/live on your own, but the thought is overwhelming.
- In the face of all these questions and the anxiety they might cause, you might feel the need to shut down for a while.
- YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
How can NTC help me?
- Many of us learn and think differently. It’s not easy to be a different thinker in a neurotypical world. These differences can be invisible to others which can make it hard when you are trying to get help to overcome challenges. NTC aims to help you feel better prepared to cross the bridge over into the next step towards an independent life of your choice.
- NTC’s curriculum is built on the belief that young adults can greatly benefit from connection, understanding, explicit instruction, and practice to better find their way in navigating a predominately neurotypical world. Being with neurodivergent peers that experience similar challenges and learning needs is important. Equally important are having the right classes with instructors that “get” it.
- Going at the pace that works for you, NTC offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to strengthen relationship skills, work ready skills, and independent living skills.
About Classes
How has COVID-19 affected classes?
When Covid hit, we transitioned to an online format. While there are certain limitations to this instructional format, our students continue to excel beyond our expectations, and the data continue to show high effectiveness. Additionally, because the online format isn't limited to a geographic location, we can now offer our critical curriculum to anyone across the country. To participate online you will need a device with microphone and webcam capability.
How much will classes cost me?
- Our fee schedule for both Secondary (NDE Service Provider) and Post-Secondary students can be found on our Prospective Students tab, or by clicking here.
- Some classes may have additional fees to cover added costs such as Public Transportation will require the purchase of bus tickets, Consumer Exploration may have added costs if you intend to buy groceries or join a group at a restaurant. Any additional costs will be outlined before registration opens.
What classes can I take?
- For our Secondary students we serve in school districts, we recommend the Starter Pack to begin with before progressing to the open catalog.
- There are a few classes that have prerequisites, but otherwise you can take whichever classes are offered each quarter. Take a look here at our course catalog.
- You can take every course, or you can pick and choose – it’s completely up to you. After applying for admission, there’s no obligation to take classes. You have up to three years to decide what courses you want to take, after which you will need to refresh your application.
- If you are interested in participating in our Residential Program, you must complete all pre-residential courses with a minimum academic proficiency.
When are the classes offered? How long does class last?
Where are classes held?
- Currently all classes are held online via Zoom with Google Classroom.
- While we continue to grow and develop, we are committed to have classes in the community when possible. Our classroom spaces include spaces that already exist within our communities - banks, libraries, colleges, grocery stores, and other non-profits.
Will NTC provide transportation?
If classes meet in the community, we do not provide transportation.
What are classes like?
- NTC classes are not like traditional academic classes requiring a lot of time outside of class. We focus on in-class discussion and active participation. Typically, there is 1-2 hours of work outside of class geared to practicing and building skills.
- Classes are small (up to 15 students), relaxed and allow for discussion in a supportive atmosphere.
- NTC doesn’t have a traditional “A to F” grading system. Final grades are determined with a level of "Proficient", "Developing" or "Emerging". You and your instructor do an assessment to evaluate your progress and determine what, if anything, you might need more help with.
Questions about ENABLE.
- What is ABLE? In December 2014, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was signed into law authorizing individuals with disabilities to open tax-exempt savings accounts to save for disability related expenses without impacting eligibility for resource-based benefits. The Act allows the individual to save money in their name in a qualified ABLE account. The Nebraska Plan is the Enable Savings Plan
- How do I enroll and who do I contact for questions and assistance? The website is very user friendly and covers details on the Enable account. www.enablesavings.com
How To Join NTC
I’m interested! What do I do next?
- Before registering for classes for the first time, we need to get to know you! We do that through our application process (open year-round). You must have applied and been accepted into NTC before you can register for your first classwww.nebraskatransitioncollege.org/application-process.html. There is no cost to apply to NTC. Once you are approved, you don’t have to immediately register for class; you have three years to decide if you want to take NTC classes or not. Click here for the application instructions and forms.
- There are a few requirements to being admitted, including being at least a sernior in high school before NTC classes begin, have a verified disability, and want to be here! Click here to see more information.
- For planning purposes it’s best to allow a few days to get your application together and allow 1-2 weeks for NTC to process and get back to you.
- If you have any questions or need help, please feel free to call or email us.
I’m still not sure if NTC is for me, can I email or call with more questions?
Absolutely! Click here to call or email us with any questions or if you want to chat with someone live to see if NTC is right for you.