Postgraduate Program

Pitt Academy’s Postgraduate Program is a two-three year extension to Pitt Academy’s K-12 Program. We are open for enrollment to qualifying 18-24 year old individuals with learning differences.

Pitt Academy’s Postgraduate Program gives students every opportunity to reach their own social, personal, and employment goals in a student centered learning environment that meets the needs and abilities of each individual.

Student vision meetings allow staff, students and their families to set goals and collaboratively work towards attainment.  Families will meet with our postgraduate director throughout the year to reassess student goals, progress, and achievements made.

Our postgraduate mission:

Pitt Academy’s Postgraduate Program develops independent contributing members of the community by utilizing a goal oriented and student centered approach. Individuals are fostered to achieve independence through instruction in the programs four pillars: Functional Academics, Employment/Vocational Training, Independent Living, Community Engagement.

To tour our facility, learn more about our program/enrollment, please contact our staff at [email protected]

The Four Pillars 

Functional Academics:

Each student is actively involved in the learning process of functional academic skills. These skills are pertinent to increasing each students’ individual participation within the community. Students will be immersed in instruction concentrating on reading, math, writing, and communication.

Independent Living Instruction:

The focal point of life skills instruction is to provide solutions to a myriad of situations students may encounter at home, work and within the community. This will be accomplished through the use of engaging and interactive activities, as well as role-playing of real-life scenarios and situations.

Community Engagement:

This pillar focuses to increase socialization opportunities, personal enrichment, and awareness of the student’s community while building the skills necessary to become a contributing member. Through this engagement students will increase positive interactions with those in their community, while learning appropriate behavior and collaboration skills.

Employment and Vocational Training:

Students will work with the Pitt Academy postgraduate staff and partnering agencies in employment and vocational training to gain skills desired by potential employers. This training will include resumes, interviews, task completion, appropriate workplace interactions, transportation, as well as adhering to workplace policies and procedures.

Additional Educational Resources:
– Instructional Retail space: Our instructional retail space is designed to immerse students in a realistic retail environment where they can actively develop essential work and consumer skills. The space features dedicated areas for pricing products, managing inventory, and organizing merchandise, allowing students to engage in hands-on tasks that enhance their operational proficiency. With well-organized displays for folding and hanging clothing, the environment encourages a focus on visual presentation, ensuring a positive shopping experience for customers. Additionally, the space promotes the development of consumer skills, with practical activities centered around shopping on a budget and using correct funds. This comprehensive setting not only prepares students for careers in retail but also equips them with valuable life skills, fostering responsible consumer behavior and financial literacy.

– Instructional Independent Living skills Apartment: Our instructional apartment space is designed to provide students with a realistic environment for developing essential life skills for independent living. This thoughtfully arranged space features a living area that allows students to practice key tasks such as organizing personal belongings, managing laundry, and maintaining a clean and tidy home. Hands-on learning activities focus on budgeting for household expenses and managing responsibilities like cleaning and basic upkeep. The apartment also serves as a platform for discussions on personal finance, effective communication, and navigating roommate dynamics. This instructional space not only enhances practical skills but also builds confidence and self-sufficiency, preparing students for a successful transition to independent living.

– Instructional Independent Living Kitchen: Our instructional kitchen is designed to provide students with a hands-on learning environment where they can develop essential culinary skills and understand the fundamentals of meal preparation. Equipped with modern appliances and cooking tools, the space allows students to practice techniques such as chopping, baking, and cooking a variety of cuisines. They learn about food safety, nutrition, and meal planning, fostering a deeper understanding of healthy eating habits. The kitchen also emphasizes budgeting and resource management, encouraging students to make informed decisions when shopping for ingredients. Through collaborative cooking projects, this instructional kitchen not only enhances culinary proficiency but also builds confidence and creativity, preparing students for both personal and professional culinary endeavors.

The four pillars, combined with our curriculum, focus upon improving academic and functional achievement taking into account the students strengths, preferences, and interests.

Our objectives to achieve our goals and meet our students needs include but are not limited to:

  • Providing socialization opportunities
  • Academic enrichment
  • Training and employment placement
  • Community Participation
  • Furtherance of independent living goals

Community Partners:

We would like to thank our employment/vocational training and community service partners for helping our students gain on-site skills aiding them in their places of employment and being productive members of our community.

– Mission BBQ
– Kohls Department Store
– Dare to Care
– Critically Loved
– Louisville Metro Parks
– Louisville Metro Animal Services
– Franciscan Kitchen
-Bellarmine University Career Development Center

Community Service and Engagement:

Our community engagement program empowers students to make a meaningful impact through hands-on service projects, including:
– Blessing Bags
– CANtober
-Santa’s Workshop

These initiatives not only foster teamwork and leadership skills but also create a sense of community and connection, making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. Join us in building a brighter future together!