For people with intellectual disabilities in Wisconsin, post-secondary education often wasn’t feasible – until this Union Grove campus opened in 2008. “We have created this unique learning environment for them with the belief that they will thrive,” says president Dr. Tracy Terrill. “There’s nothing like this anywhere in our country or beyond.”

Shepherds College offers job, social and living skills training for students with intellectual and development disabilities, including training in culinary arts, horticulture and technology. Class sizes are between 10 and 15 people on the college’s residential campus, with supervised evening activities offered as well.

During the pandemic, the college pivoted to also offer online programming, like courses in employment skills and personal growth, which it plans to continue in an effort to recruit students from around the country.

“We’re really trying to equip our students, when they leave this campus, to go impact society,” says Terrill.