Bear POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Work, Education and Resilience) began in 2018 at Missouri State University as a way to offer college experiences to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

It launched with eight students and six completed the program. This year, the program had its largest class to date with 11 students.  

Personal and career excellence 

Bear POWER is a five-semester program that offers a challenging and accommodating environment for students to reach their personal and career potential. 

Program features include: 

• An individualized program based on a student’s interests 

• Independent living 

• Resume development 

• Internship experience 

• Opportunities to improve social skills 

Students must take six credit hours of coursework with the option to audit or take for credit. Students must also enroll in an Academic Support Session each semester to focus on job readiness. Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average.  

Upon completion, they earn a certificate of completion from Missouri State. 

Easton Pierce from Lenexa, Kansas, joined Bear POWER in fall 2023 with cohort five. He is a hospitality leadership major and has found his place at MSU. 

“One thing I’ve learned from being in Bear POWER is that with support from the program, I can succeed in college,” Pierce said.  

“This program means a lot to me because it has allowed me to take fewer classes than the average college student while still taking them for credit.  I’m also able to participate in events and organizations like other students.” 

Support on and off campus 

April Phillips became the Bear POWER director in 2022. She has worked in the special education community for over 15 years.  

She is invested in and passionate about the opportunities the program offers students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

“This type of program wasn’t an option for them a few years ago,” Phillips said. “Families didn’t know something like this would be possible for their children when they were young.” 

She explained the growth she has seen in her students.  

“They’re finding their path of fulfillment and learning how to advocate for themselves,” Phillips said. “They’re figuring out what success looks like to them, where they want to live, what they want to do and many other important life lessons.” 

She credits community support for the program’s development and success.  

“We celebrate the fact that every faculty member, staff member and student at MSU have welcomed our students,” Phillips said. “Our students can join any club or organization on campus they’re interested in. One of our students has even been in a sorority.” 

Phillips is also grateful for the community’s financial support. 

“Many community organizations and even private businesses continue to provide either direct financial assistance or scholarships for our students,” Phillips said.  

Learn more about Bear POWER