Dynamic Partnership with Wichita State University Results in Prestigious Award

Dynamic Partnership with Wichita State University Results in Prestigious Award

By Beth Walker • May 19, 2023

Blog Content

Envision recently received the Wichita State University (WSU) College of Applied Studies (CAS) Champion Award at a ceremony held by the college on April 28, 2023. This award was the culmination of a dynamic partnership between WSU’s College of Applied Studies, Envision’s Level Up Program, and Envision’s Child Development Center.   

Envision’s Level Up Program is a six-day intensive training for high school students who are blind or visually impaired, led by professionals working in different academic fields. The program aims to equip students who are blind or visually impaired with academic, professional, and interpersonal skills needed for college and beyond. WSU’s CAS faculty and students have partnered on the delivery of the conference for numerous years with much success. Students pursuing their master’s degrees in special education through CAS utilize the Level Up program to fulfill their practicum requirements for their degree. These future educators learn skills related to supporting blind or visually impaired students in the classroom, while program attendees receive additional direct support in their sessions. 

“Level Up continues to evolve. We research programs throughout the country that are preparing typically sighted teens and young adults for college and careers. We especially look to Wichita State University to introduce our students to potential educational and career paths,” said Hannah Christenson, Director of Community Programs at Envision.  

Another key catalyst for this successful partnership with CAS has been the Cathy G. Hudson Envision Child Development Center (ECDC). For nearly ten years, during each spring semester, up to four WSU graduate students have completed their practicum through working at the ECDC. Working alongside blind or visually impaired students and teachers, the CAS students gain invaluable experience while supporting Envision and its Child Development Center. 

“We have had the best experience with the students,” said Teresa Houston, Director of the Cathy G. Hudson Envision Child Development Center. “Especially during Covid, the CAS students kept coming, always ready to work when we needed it most. They take their practicum very seriously. I truly appreciate the partnership.” 

For more information on Level Up, click here. 
For more information on the Cathy G. Hudson Envision Child Development Center, click here.  
Michael Monteferrante, Noreen Carrocci, Emily Hurst, Hannah Christenson, Teresa Houston and Sarah Kephart standing with members of WSU CAS faculty, all smiling at the camera as Teresa holds the award plaque.