L.O.P.E.S. Academy at the Cardon Center
Going to college is a rite of passage for most young adults. It marks a time of transition into adulthood; of gaining more independence, developing friendships and forging your own path. The college experience, as a whole, allows students to:
- Discover their passions
- Gain important life skills
- Learn about the world around them
The L.O.P.E.S. (Learning Opportunities for Participation and Engagement in School) Academy is a two-year, non-degree program for neurodivergent individuals. Participants attend the program twice a week for a total of 10 hours per week. There are various components of the program which include seven courses, social activities, lunch, chapel and workshops. At year 1.5 in the program the participants receive an internship on campus.
An Inclusive Postsecondary Education Experience
The L.O.P.E.S. Academy at the Cardon Center was established through the generosity of Don and Kim Cardon to provide an opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience college life at Grand Canyon University. GCU is a gated, Christian university campus, located within Phoenix, Arizona.
Our Mission
To provide a post-secondary, Christian university campus experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities focused on finding personal purpose through academic, social and job skills development.
Our Academic Program
L.O.P.E.S. Academy collaborates with GCU to provide a two-year program in an inclusive, Christian environment.
Each course in the L.O.P.E.S. program is seven weeks, with participants taking two courses per 15-week semester (fall and spring). Each class meets twice a week for one hour.
L.O.P.E.S. participants can look forward to taking foundational non-credit courses designed to provide the knowledge and skills they need for more independent living. These courses include:
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the L.O.P.E.S. program and the university environment.
This course is designed to teach students effective communication and social skills that can be applied in a variety of settings including school, at home, on the job and in the community.
This course explores the big questions of life. For example, “Why are we here?” and “What is my purpose?” Students examine how Christians answer these big questions and work on exploring their own worldview and purpose.
This course introduces skills and resources necessary for students to integrate leadership principles and character development into their personal and professional lives. Students review contemporary leadership skills and employability skills needed for successful employment. Students identify personal strengths, interests and needs related to employment, and identify goals for communication, customer service and skills related to their interests in order to guide their own character development and leadership skills.
This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of general nutrition and overall health and wellness. The course will focus on independent daily living skills to support the student in making healthy life choices.
This course is designed to teach math skills related to daily living. The course will focus on practical problem-solving related to math.
The Campus Experience Internship will include exploration of different internship opportunities. Students' interests and strengths will be identified in preparation for choosing an internship placement. Job shadowing and internships will provide L.O.P.E.S. learners the opportunity to work in a setting on campus, gain work experience and prepare for employment opportunities after completion of the L.O.P.E.S. program. In addition to the capstone class, participants earn an internship on campus after the first year and a half and are provided job coaching by L.O.P.E.S. Academy staff.
As we know, college is not all about academics. In fact, the skills and experiences students gain outside the classroom is just as important for their development and independence.
As part of the L.O.P.E.S. Academy program, participants are able to dive deeper into the typical college experience based on their individual interests and skills. Here are some fun activities and opportunities participants can anticipate in our program:
- L.O.P.E.S. Peer Mentors: Each L.O.P.E.S. Academy participant will be paired with a GCU student who will serve as their guide and support partner throughout the program. These peer mentors build friendships with L.O.P.E.S. Academy Learners and assist participants in navigating the university environment, offering support and mentorship during activities such as chapel, lunch and social events.
- Chapel Events: GCU holds weekly chapel services for participants to come together to worship and hear from God’s Word. Our Worship Team engages participants in music, and speakers from across campus and throughout the Phoenix area come to share truth as they teach from the Bible.
- Clubs: GCU offers over 100 clubs and organizations on campus. L.O.P.E.S. Academy Learners have the opportunity to attend a club with their peer mentor.
- Guest Speakers and Workshops: L.O.P.E.S. Academy will provide regular hands-on workshops and guest speakers to help participants explore various topics, such as career exploration, health and wellness, life skills and more.
- Sporting Events: If you love sports, GCU has something for every fan. From basketball and baseball, to soccer, swimming, tennis and volleyball, you can cheer on the GCU Lopes throughout the school year.
L.O.P.E.S. participants can expect to spend a five-hour day twice a week on campus. Each day will be a little different and offer a mix of learning, socializing and hands-on engagement.
Sample Schedule (subject to change)
Day One:
10 – 11 am Academic Course
11 am – noon Chapel
Noon – 1 pm Lunch
1 – 3 pm Workshop
Day Two:
10 – 11 am Academic Course
11 am – noon Social Activity
Noon – 1 pm Lunch
1 – 3 pm Workshop
For successful participation in the L.O.P.E.S. Academy program, participants should:
1. Be between the ages of 18-27 years old when beginning the program.
2. Be open to a Christian academic environment.
3. Have a diagnosis of an intellectual and/or developmental disability with supporting IEP (Individual Education Plan) or MET (Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team evaluation) documentation.
4. Possess supporting documentation with diagnosis eligibility. For example, IEP (Individual Education Plan) or ISP (Individual Service Plan).
5. Have completed high school with a documented diploma or GED.
6. Have the ability to independently address self-care and hygiene needs (e.g., toileting and eating).
7. Have the ability to self-administer and manage any medications.
8. Have the ability to follow GCU’s student code of conduct policies, including self-regulation.
9. Demonstrate ability to independently use functional reading, writing and math skills.
10. Demonstrate the ability to independently follow multi-step verbal and/or written directions with minimal prompting.
11. Have active participation throughout the application process.
12. Have the ability to independently navigate the GCU campus using safety procedures with minimal supervision.
13. Demonstrate interest in obtaining independent employment.
14. Have the ability to maintain short-term-supported employment.
15. Have the ability to independently sustain an extended period of work (4-8 hours per shift).
16. Demonstrate an interest in finding personal purpose through academic, social and job skills development.
The tuition for the L.O.P.E.S. Academy is $5,000 per academic year, totaling $10,000 for the two-year program. There are several payment plan options available:
- Pay in full
- Pay monthly
- Pay by semester
Additionally, L.O.P.E.S. Academy accepts ESA funds.
The L.O.P.E.S. Academy organizes fundraising events to help offset tuition for those in need. Students accepted into the program can apply for an internal scholarship by submitting a letter for consideration. Furthermore, the Think College resource library provides information on third-party agencies that offer scholarships for students with intellectual disabilities. You can find more details at Think College.
Yes, the L.O.P.E.S. Academy closely follows the GCU academic calendar. The program does break for the summer, but optional summer meet-ups are provided for participants to socialize on the GCU campus and stay connected.
The L.O.P.E.S. Academy is a non-residential program. Participants commute to campus using various modes of transportation.
Program participants are responsible for their own transportation to campus. They can choose from several options, including:
- Rides from a guardian, family member or friend
- Valley Metro Dial-a-Ride
- Carpool
- External ride-hailing services
- Hop Skip Drive
The L.O.P.E.S. Academy offers regular parent meetings led by community representatives, GCU faculty and staff, fostering community involvement.
The L.O.P.E.S. Academy is a two-year, not-for-credit, non-degree-seeking workforce deployment program. Graduates receive a certificate of completion and can complete an individualized campus internship and an industry-recognized certificate as part of the program.
The application requires an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), a Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) report and a high school transcript. Additional supporting documentation is optional.
Participants are encouraged to attend all campus events and activities using their GCU-issued ID. They have full access to GCU facilities, including sporting events, clubs and fitness centers.
Yes. Graduates can remain connected with GCU through the L.O.P.E.S. Academy's partnership with GCU’s alumni association.
The L.O.P.E.S. Academy application opens every spring for fall enrollment. The process includes reviewing essential elements, completing the GCU L.O.P.E.S. Academy application and submitting all required documentation. Selected candidates will be invited for a campus tour, a brief work simulation and an interview with the L.O.P.E.S. Academy team.
Thank you for your interest in the program! Please email lopes academy to be added to our alert list for when the application opens in the spring. You can also request to speak with a L.O.P.E.S. Academy representative by emailing the same address. We encourage you to gather your supporting documentation in preparation for the upcoming application period.
To maintain the privacy of active cohorts, specific tours of the L.O.P.E.S. Academy are not offered while the program is in session. However, GCU campus tours can be scheduled anytime through the GCU Antelope Reception Center. Be sure to mention that you are interested in a tour related to the L.O.P.E.S. Academy.
Approximately 12 learners are accepted into each cohort to allow for differentiation in the classroom.
The L.O.P.E.S. Academy collaborates with several GCU departments for internships including the following:
- GCU Golf Course
- College of Arts and Media Costume Shop
- Esports Arena
- Sodexo Catering
- Sodexo Stocking and Receiving
- GCU Athletics
- Lope Shop
- Distribution Center
- Honors College
- Mail Center
- Havoc House Restaurant
- Spiritual Life: Production
We understand that young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have just as much to gain from the university environment as their peers. The L.O.P.E.S. Academy is here to help you get started on your journey toward more independent living.
For further questions about the L.O.P.E.S. Academy program, including program rates, please email [email protected]. To apply for the program, submit your application by clicking on the “Apply Now” button below. We will follow up with you shortly.
To best inquire, please email L.O.P.E.S. Academy or call 602-639-8733.
The L.O.P.E.S. Academy at the Cardon Center is a non-credit and non-degree program. This fee-based program offers a university experience and prepares participants for potential employment.