Welcome To Threshold

The Threshold Program is a comprehensive, non-degree campus-based program at Lesley University for highly motivated young adults with diverse learning disabilities and other special needs. All are clearly interested in careers in one of our vocational fields of study, Business and Support Services and/or Early Childhood Studies, and all have a strong desire to become independent adults. Threshold students have typically received extensive special services in either private or public schools and are likely to have considerable difficulty succeeding in a traditional college degree program.

Jim Wilbur, Director of the Threshold Program states, "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."

Threshold's Two-Year Program

Threshold's Two-Year Program accommodates about fifty students each year. Participants generally attain scores below the average range on specific standardized tests of intellectual ability. Reading and writing skills typically range from the fourth to seventh grade level; math skills often tend to be at somewhat lower levels.  Two successful years on campus culminate in graduation, where students receive a certificate of completion and six college credits. Most  then participate in one of Threshold's two postgraduate programs: Transition Year provides continuing support as students enter the work world and live in apartments; Bridge Year offers another year of skill building on campus. Both are certificate programs and an additional three college credits are awarded for successful completion of Transition Year.

We invite you to investigate our program further by exploring the links to the left. Please also feel free to submit any questions you may have and a representative of the program will contact you with the information you are seeking.

To view an excerpt from Threshold's informational DVD, click our YouTube link below.  

Threshold YouTube