Virtual Learning Series

Our Virtual Learning Series is a free informational webinar series built on more than 30 years of experience working exclusively with students who learn differently. Each topic is designed to help parents and educators understand the unique challenges facing students entering college with learning differences and equip you with key strategies to support these students on their journey.

Founded in 1989 by parents seeking a better option for students who learn differently, Beacon College was the first in the nation accredited to award bachelor degrees exclusively to students with learning disabilities and ADHD. The College has grown significantly over the years, but one thing that hasn’t changed is its commitment to student success. Beacon continues to add research-based programming designed to support students who learn differently on their journey to college success. The Virtual Learning Series is available for free to all, with the goal of supporting students and families looking for proactive college transition planning.

2022-23 Event Schedule

Our 2022-23 live Virtual Learning Series webinars have concluded! All event recordings are available to access here. If you have feedback or suggestions for next year’s series topics, please email Tiffany Calderara at tcalderara@beaconcollege.edu.

• October 18, 2022 at 6 p.m. EST – The Big Picture View Comparing and Contrasting High School and College
  The transition from high school to college is huge – it goes beyond more challenging academics into a completely new environment, social expectations, independence in life skills, self-driven accommodations, and more. It can be difficult for families to evaluate the demands this will put on a student’s existing social and executive functioning skills, and mental health. This session will provide insights on the major shifts from high school to college while providing a tool families can use to anticipate challenges and simplify the college choice and evaluation process.

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• November 8, 2022 at 6 p.m. EST – The Role of Higher Education in Career Development
  You may have heard statistics about how college graduates go on to earn more lifetime income when compared with non-graduates, but what about the stories of the grad school grad who goes on to become a barista? Or the grim statistics about individuals with learning disabilities struggling to be gainfully employed? In this Learning Series session, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of how pursuing higher education, along with support services, benefits graduates with learning disabilities and helps them access gainful employment.

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• December 13, 2022 at 6 p.m. EST – Choosing a Major
  So, choosing a major is as simple as deciding on what you like and don’t like, right? The old adage of making a career out of doing something you love is outdated in our fast-paced, complex times. Careers today are more technical, in-depth – with the good, the bad, and the ugly. For students with learning disabilities, figuring out what you enjoy doing, what you are good at, and how those relate to the job market, is a formidable challenge. Join us in this Learning Series session as we take apart popular majors like Game Design and compare that to another popular major, Hospitality, to get a better idea of what you need to keep in mind when choosing a major.

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• January 10, 2023 at 6 p.m. EST – Preparing for Community Living: The Challenges and Rewards of Dorm-Living
  One of the most unforgettable experiences, community living at college, presents students with the opportunity to create meaningful, lasting friendships, to be exposed to more interests, and removes a student from the comfort and shelter of home. For students who experience learning disabilities, navigating unfamiliar social territory is a huge challenge. In this Learning Series session, you will learn how to best prepare your future collegiate to relish and thrive in a community living experience, and how to manage the rich, teaching moments known as conflicts.

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• February 21, 2023 at 6 p.m. EST – The Social Norms in College
  Is your future collegian ready for the social and relationship demands of college? What are the social skills needed to present their best self and move comfortably through varied social groups and expectations? This session will provide key social skills needed to adjust to this new social environment as well as tasks that can help students get started. Each attendee will take away a simple checklist to help your student present their best self and successfully join the community they plan to learn and live in.

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• March 15, 2023 at 6 p.m. EST – The Role of Executive Functioning in College
  College is a time for independence, challenging studies, adulting… and making it to class, managing last minute changes, completing assignments, and many other executive functioning-focused demands. This session presents common scenarios that the independent student encounters along with simple tools and tips to bypass perceived failure.

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Previous Session Recordings

In the past two years, we hosted more than 1200 parents and educators across our various Virtual Learning Series webinars. The recordings are still available to those who are interested in revisiting these topics.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for?

If you are looking for a different resource or recording, you can browse our complete online repository here.

If you would like to provide feedback on these resources or recommend a learning series topic, please contact us at admissions@beaconcollege.edu.