
Support Jacob's 2nd Year in College
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Thank you for reading our post! Jacob has finished his first year of college!! This past year has been a journey, not unlike so many other college students, except for the fact that Jacob has Down syndrome.
First things first, how was his first year?
The goal of achieving appropriate independence is happening! It was definitely a year of learning and growth as he lived in the dorm, ate dorm food, participated in dorm activities, and attended classes. He's grown in the areas of self discipline, integrity, responsibility, and initiative. He's communicating his ideas and dreams and feelings with more clarity. He knows his way around the kitchen and has the cleanest workspace around. But it's best told by Jacob himself in the following video:
Jacob Nelson, First Year
What will Jacob's second year be like?
Second year housing is a duplex style home on campus that is connected with a shared kitchen space. Jacob will live on one side of the duplex with 3 other students. The students will be taking care of this home as if it is their own, and with assistance will be responsible for cleaning, meal planning and preparation, and grocery shopping. In this home, Jacob will have more opportunity to take what he's learned in class and apply it to real life situations. On school days Jacob will be in the industrial kitchen learning culinary skills, as well as attending life skills and Bible classes.
What is Shepherd's College?
Shepherd's College is a school for intellectually and developmentally disabled people . After going through their 3 year program, Jacob will have a certificate in Culinary Arts. Shepherd's has an over 90% success rate of their graduates landing a job in the field in which they studied. Not only do they focus on vocational skills but also social and life skills for appropriate independence. They also focus on inspiring a lasting awareness of God's plan for their lives.
Why does Jacob need money?
We know that although Jacob will be better equipped for life after graduating, his disability will likely keep him at a lower salary level. Thus we do not want to burden him with loans that he won't be able to pay back, when the goal is to have him achieve as much independence as appropriate.
What's the bottom line?
Jacob's yearly college cost is $44,100. Jacob has been awarded a scholarship and he also has some savings and disability income, but he still needs $14,766 to get him through this year. Would you be willing to help keep Jacob in college for another year?





First things first, how was his first year?
The goal of achieving appropriate independence is happening! It was definitely a year of learning and growth as he lived in the dorm, ate dorm food, participated in dorm activities, and attended classes. He's grown in the areas of self discipline, integrity, responsibility, and initiative. He's communicating his ideas and dreams and feelings with more clarity. He knows his way around the kitchen and has the cleanest workspace around. But it's best told by Jacob himself in the following video:
Jacob Nelson, First Year
What will Jacob's second year be like?
Second year housing is a duplex style home on campus that is connected with a shared kitchen space. Jacob will live on one side of the duplex with 3 other students. The students will be taking care of this home as if it is their own, and with assistance will be responsible for cleaning, meal planning and preparation, and grocery shopping. In this home, Jacob will have more opportunity to take what he's learned in class and apply it to real life situations. On school days Jacob will be in the industrial kitchen learning culinary skills, as well as attending life skills and Bible classes.
What is Shepherd's College?
Shepherd's College is a school for intellectually and developmentally disabled people . After going through their 3 year program, Jacob will have a certificate in Culinary Arts. Shepherd's has an over 90% success rate of their graduates landing a job in the field in which they studied. Not only do they focus on vocational skills but also social and life skills for appropriate independence. They also focus on inspiring a lasting awareness of God's plan for their lives.
Why does Jacob need money?
We know that although Jacob will be better equipped for life after graduating, his disability will likely keep him at a lower salary level. Thus we do not want to burden him with loans that he won't be able to pay back, when the goal is to have him achieve as much independence as appropriate.
What's the bottom line?
Jacob's yearly college cost is $44,100. Jacob has been awarded a scholarship and he also has some savings and disability income, but he still needs $14,766 to get him through this year. Would you be willing to help keep Jacob in college for another year?






Organizer
Katy Gibes Nelson
Organizer
Winthrop Harbor, IL