The Path to Independence (P2I) program welcomed a group of future students to the 夜色视频, for its third annual summer camp on June 23–27, 2025. Sponsored by , the week-long camp provides high school students and recent graduates with disabilities an opportunity to explore college life, gain vocational skills and determine whether P2I is the right next step in their educational journey.
To participate, campers must be at least 16 years old, be clients of Vocational Rehabilitation and have an interest in attending the P2I certificate program in the future. The experience mirrors aspects of the full Path to Independence program, a two-year inclusive postsecondary education initiative housed within the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities at the College of Education & Human Development.
The camp began with a campus tour and workshops on postsecondary education options and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (夜色视频). Campers spent the remainder of the week immersed in a variety of hands-on activities designed to foster independence and career readiness.
Tuesday’s schedule included a campus-wide employment-themed scavenger hunt, mentoring sessions with P2I alumni and a personal safety presentation by the University Police Department. “I really appreciate the relationship Path to Independence has with the University Police Department,” said Ryah McKay, P2I employment coordinator. “They provide our students with an annual safety presentation and the opportunity to intern in their office. The campers also really enjoyed getting to know the officers and learning how the department operates.”
Midweek programming featured individualized career assessments, goal-setting vision boards and a culinary lesson led by Reagan Shacklett, P2I student worker. “I love having the opportunity to teach our students how to make healthy eating choices and gain hands-on experience,” Shacklett said. “Many of our students are working on these skills to build greater independence.”
On Thursday, campers learned about disability accommodations through a session with the Disability Resource Center, followed by visits to the Mackay Mines Museum and the @One Library. There, students engaged in virtual reality-based activities, including simulations related to driving and navigation, skills often identified as important markers of independence.
Friday’s closing events included workshops on transportation and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a résumé writing session with the Nevada Career Studio and a tour of Mackay Stadium. Campers also practiced finding their way to various classroom buildings, helping build both orientation skills and confidence.
Reflecting on the week, Nicole Wadden, P2I director, shared, “We had such a fun time getting to know our incoming and prospective P2I students. Summer camp offers a taste of what to expect in the Path to Independence program and helps students decide whether college is the right fit for them. Thank you to our partners at Vocational Rehabilitation for sponsoring this camp.”
The Path to Independence Summer Camp is designed to promote informed decision-making, provide early exposure to college environments, and support young adults with disabilities as they prepare for meaningful academic and career pathways.
To join the interest list for a future P2I summer camp, contact Nicole Wadden at nwadden@unr.edu.
