Experience college life in a supportive environment.
The Threshold Program teaches young adults with diverse learning challenges and special needs to overcome fears and navigate life with confidence. From mastering public transportation to paying bills on time to understanding workplace dynamics, our curriculum provides a foundation in skills for independent living as well as job training in Early Childhood or Business Services.
Students earn 6 college credits upon completion of the 2-year campus-based core program and can then continue in one of our post-graduate programs.
Students who enroll in Threshold...
- Are young adults, 18–26 years old
- Want to become independent
- May have received special services in school
- Would probably struggle in a traditional college degree program
- Score below average on tests of intellectual ability
- May have difficulty with reading, writing, and math
What you'll study.
Our curriculum focuses on the skills you need to get and keep a paid job, live on your own, and have a social life. Your classes, advising sessions, and internships help you work toward these goals. All students start with the 2-year core program. This is when you'll choose a career path—Early Childhood or Business Services—to get ready for a variety of jobs.
At the end of year 2, you'll graduate and you can enroll in one of our post-graduate programs—Transition Year or Bridge Year—to
continue preparing for independent living. In Transition Year, you'll
live in an apartment while you work toward getting a paid job. In Bridge Year, you'll live on campus and work in internships.
Learn more about our curriculum and career paths »
Where you'll live, and how we have fun.
Going to college is not just about classes and work, it's about expanding your group of friends and exploring a new area. Threshold students live together in 2 residence halls in the heart of campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a few miles from Boston. They plan social events for students in the program, and also participate in clubs and sports with our undergraduates. Live-in residence staff reinforce what you're learning in class, provide support, and help plan activities.
Learn more about residence and student life »
Living on campus near public transportation makes it easy to plan fun
things to do, such as this painting party in nearby Boston.
"Threshold gives young adults the opportunity to experience college life in an atmosphere in which they can be successful, achieve, and feel good about themselves."
–Jim Wilbur, Threshold Program Director, 2003–2016
Your future after the Threshold Program.
Once you graduate, you'll be part of an active community of 600+ Threshold alumni. Most of our alumni are employed, living on their own, and are satisfied with their social lives, according to our most recent survey.
- 85% are employed for pay and work an average of 29 hours per week
- 77% are living independently
- 95% are satisfied with their overall level of independence
- 64% spend time with friends at least once a week
- 1/3 go on to take college classes for credit sometime after graduating
- 1/2 have used services or attended events run by the Threshold Alumni Center
- Read the 2016 Threshold Alumni Survey Executive Summary [pdf]
Most of our alumni live within 1 hour of
Cambridge. They continue to get together frequently, from grabbing a bite to eat at local restaurants to going on day trips to amusement parks to traveling overseas.
See what alumni have to say about Threshold and what they're doing now:
Alumni Support
Our Alumni Center continues to support you after graduation. We can help you apply for federal and state benefits, find social activities, and help you in your job hunt. We offer workshops and courses, and plan local and international trips with alumni.
Learn more about the Threshold Alumni Center »
Attend an informational meeting
Threshold Informational Meetings take place once a month, October to May, 3:00–5:00 pm.
Your visit will include an overview of the program, Q & A sessions, and a tour. Learn more and RSVP »