PATH360 students now have a chance to earn College Credits. Find out more!

Path360

Path360 (formerly the Young Adult Program) is a full-day program designed for students aged 18–21, located in Livingston, NJ

Path360 Achieving Independence

Path360 (formerly the Young Adult Program) is a full-day program for students aged 18–21, designed to support their transition to adulthood through tailored, community-based learning opportunities.

Beyond Path360’s core classes, we offer three paths of study to help students achieve their individual goals.

  • College & Continuing Education: Support for attending college, taking courses, earning college credits or participating in educational programs while building independent living skills.
  • Employment & Independent Living: Training for workforce readiness and skills for independent living with support.
  • Independent Living Skills: For students requiring additional guidance in developing independent living and social skills.

No matter the goal, our focus is a seamless transition from school to greater independence, choice, and self-direction.

Path360's Core Components

Path360’s program is built on a core set of subjects that support students transitioning to adulthood through community participation, friendships, and independent living skills, while also assisting families in developing future plans for their loved ones.

Community Based Instruction

Students participate in curriculum-driven outings that provide opportunities to foster independence and build practical skills in real-world environments. Occurring 1–2 times per week, these outings may include activities such as grocery shopping, banking, navigating public spaces, and dining out. Each experience is carefully planned to align with a student’s personal goals and strengthen their capacity for independent decision-making.

Travel Training

Through a partnership with NJTIP at Rutgers University, students gain critical travel skills to enhance their mobility and independence.

  • Travel Modes: Training covers NJTransit buses, Access Link services, and ride-sharing apps like Uber.
  • Practical Learning: Students practice planning routes, understanding schedules, and navigating unfamiliar areas, empowering them to travel independently for work, school, or personal needs.

Monthly Socials

Monthly social events provide a fun and engaging environment for current Path360 students aged 18–21 and alumni to build social skills and connections. These gatherings feature group dinners, games, and skill-building activities that emphasize communication, teamwork, and confidence in social settings.

 

Final Year Transition Support

In their final year, students and families work closely with Community Personnel Services (CPS) to create a comprehensive post-secondary plan. This includes:

  • Securing funding and resources (e.g., SSI, Medicaid DDD, DVRS).
  • Identifying appropriate living arrangements and support services.
  • Planning for continued education or employment.
  • Assistance with NJCAT and SCA selection
  • Participate in developing graduating student ISPs

 

Path: College & Continuing Education

Beyond its core components, this path offers additional coursework for students with post-secondary aspirations, creating pathways to higher education and the opportunity to earn college credits.

College Prep

Student in the ECC-YAP program.Path360 partners with Essex County and Bergen Community Colleges to provide students with access to higher education opportunities (ECC).

  • Class Options: Student can enroll in 2–4 classes per week, with the opportunity to take one course on a college campus to gain experience in that setting. The course offerings span general education and career-focused subjects, all tailored to the student’s specific interests and abilities.
    • Professor in Residence: A dedicated college-approved instructor works closely with Path360 students, providing academic guidance, mentoring and support as they navigate their educational goals.

Learn more about ECC: Dual Enrollment Program Opens Doors for Young Adults

Path: Employment & Independent Living

For students planning to enter the workforce after high school, this path offers multiple career training options designed to equip them with practical skills for their future.

Career Development

Preparing for the workforce is a core focus of Path360.

On-Campus Workshops: Students participate in 90-minute sessions, 3–4 times per week, to build employment ‘soft’ skills, which include communication, adaptability, time management, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving.

 

 

Community-Based Work Experiences: With a 1:3 student-to-job-coach ratio, students gain hands-on experience at local businesses, fostering independence and workplace readiness. These experiences span industries such as retail, customer service, healthcare, and more.

 

 

 

 

REDI Program: Walgreen’s “Retail Employees with Disabilities” (REDI) partnership program offers students job opportunities at established locations, including new partnerships in Verona, Roseland, and Florham Park. In collaboration with Path360 job coaches, REDI teaches valuable career skills, equipping candidates for success in any retail setting. Learn more about the REDI program.

 

 

Career Development courses: Students are enrolled in classes that focus on essential skills like resume writing, interview preparation and workplace etiquette.

Path: Everyday Living & Learning

This path focuses on targeted, intensive skill-building for students preparing to transition to home life, assisted living, or adult day programs. The program is designed to foster independence, confidence, and readiness for the next phase of life through instruction in:

  • Foundational communication and social skills

  • Group participation and cooperation

  • Personal and community safety awareness

  • Independent living and personal care skills

  • Leisure skill development through group activities such as games, art, music, and cooking

  • Exposure to vocational options and basic household responsibilities

Goal: Prepare students for successful participation in adult day programs and/or group home settings with the skills and routines needed for supported independence.

The trained, knowledgeable staff at Academy360 has taught him so many things that are incredibly valuable and essential for his quality of life.

Kristy Schroeder, Parent

Academy360 gave us hope for the future and is providing an amazing education. I am most thankful for Academy360 preserving Billy’s spirit!

Suzanne Delaney, Parent

Is Academy360 the right place for you? Find out how to schedule a tour, meet our leaders and contact us.