Think Ahead

• Get an application for the 2025/2026 academic year.
• Send the completed application and supporting documentation via email to Thinkahead@sunydutchess.edu. 
• Applications and supporting documentation must be submitted by the stated deadline on the application. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed only if seats remain at the conclusion of the interview process.

• Completed applications will be reviewed by the Think Ahead selection committee and evaluated for potential success in the Think Ahead program.
• Supported applications will be selected and interviews will be held during the weeks of May 5 –May 16, 2025.
• Students will interview with the Think Ahead selection committee.
• Family members and/or service providers can join applicant interviews, with the consent of the applicant, after their first 30 minutes of discussion with the Selection committee.
• Selected students will receive their acceptance letter on or about May 23, 2025.
• Acceptance letters will have information on the required Orientation Day and first day of classes.
• Students must accept the DCC Code of Conduct and sign an attendance/conduct contract.
• There is no dollar amount for the program. The total number of Prevocational ( PVC) UNITS required for the entire program is 5,760. Units may need to be transferred to PVC if applicant has self-direction or is enrolled in another program.

• Selected students will receive their acceptance letter on or about June 1, 2025.
• Acceptance letters will have information on the required Orientation Day and first day of classes.
• Students must accept the DCC Code of Conduct and sign an attendance/conduct contract.

No - students must have access to transportation, or be able or willing to learn to use the Dutchess County Transit system, or discuss transportation options with agency that supports you.

• DCC currently provides classroom supplies.
• Computers are available for student use on campus, participants should anticipate having access to internet services, and a tablet or laptop for use at home. Electronic devices may be available through DCC on a limited basis.
• Participants should provide their own meals, or meal plans plans can be purchased for use at the Dining Hall.
• Participants should provide their personal supplies such as binders and pens.

Class is held M/W/F from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and is required to complete the certificate. Activities may continue on campus until 1:00 p.m. pending transportation and agency support if needed. Work experiences are unpaid, and held on campus for the first year with options for off campus experiences the second year.  An 8-week summer program is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. during the months of June and July for students after they complete their first year of the program. 

Students are supported during the day by staff from Abilities First and the ARC Greater Hudson Valley. Students will be enrolled in their Community Prevocational programs 5 days a week upon acceptance to Think Ahead.

Yes! You can ask the Office of Accommodative Services for help if you need special accommodations due to a disability. You can contact DCC Cares if you have a financial or food emergency. And our campus academic support centers can help you with tutoring - online or in person.

• Math and Science Center: masc@sunydutchess.edu
• Writing Center: writingcenter@sunydutchess.edu
• Counseling Services: https://www.sunydutchess.edu/around-campus/student-services/counseling/

The Monday/Wednesday/Friday component of the program includes:

• Daily living skills
• Job readiness skills for employment
• Improving communication & interpersonal skills
• Strengthening basic reading & writing
• Developing lifelong learning & study skills
• Stress management
• Career exploration & internships
• Vocational development 

The Tuesday/Thursday sessions enable them to work with coaches directly. It is an opportunity to build research, writing and presentation skills that will enable them to strengthen their confidence and work independently. 

Activities offered on T/Th from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.: 

• Work experience
•  Audit credit bearing courses
• Campus clubs
• Campus fitness center
• Library & Writing Center
• Create connections with college students

It is important that students participate in the lunch program at the end of each session. It is an opportunity for them to strengthen social and relationship skills that will help them in the workplace.

A course audit allows a student to participate in a classroom experience without earning a grade or credit for the course. Students should expect to audit a 100-level course, pending available seats and faculty approval of audit requests. 

Think Ahead students are not required to cover the tuition cost for these courses, and may enroll in one credit bearing course each semester if seats are available on the first day of the semester. Registration is facilitated by the Director of Accommodative Services.

Think of this as an observation of the class, students are not required to meet all assignment deadlines, complete assignments or take exams. They may do so however but will be ungraded. 

• Students auditing a class may purchase the text book, however this is not required. Textbooks for each course are available in the DCC Library.
• Students may take exams and submit assignments for practice and the experience, this is not required.
• Students auditing credit courses should be ready to attend the first class when the credit bearing courses begin, usually a week before the Think Ahead program begins.
• The Office of Accommodative Services is available to provide classroom accommodations and assist with assignments.