Tartan TOPS prepares to welcome largest group so far for upcoming Fall semester

This fall, Sinclair College is welcoming its largest cohort yet in a groundbreaking program designed for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tartan TOPS (Transition Options in Postsecondary Settings) is a college part-time certified program offered at Sinclair for students with intellectual disabilities.

The program is designed to provide academic, social and career opportunities for students with developmental disabilities. Since the official launch, TOPS has been applauded for its inclusive structure, employment outcomes and high retention.

Unlike many programs that isolate students with disabilities, Tartan TOPS fosters inclusion by integrating students directly into college life academically, socially and professionally.

Beginning this fall, the program will offer a 26-credit-hour short-technical certificate in postsecondary education for 25 students, allowing students to earn formal credentials as part of the two-year program.

This will be the largest group of students that TOPS will receive for the upcoming fall cohort.

Janice Metz serves as transition success specialist for the Tartan TOPS. She helps students with schedules, assignments and supports students with tutoring schedules. Even once students have completed the program, the extensions of support from Tartan TOPS are still provided.

“Our focus is on guiding students through important transitions or building meaningful connections and doing so in a way that respects individual differences rather than applying a blanket approach,” Metz said.

In addition to academic offerings, the program also emphasizes community engagement. Metz shared a few upcoming events with the TOPS program for the summer and fall.

Metz coordinated an event last year with the Dayton Dragons and the ASL department at Sinclair, pushing to make this event annual. This summer, the Disability Pride Night with the Dayton Dragons will take place on Saturday, Aug. 9.

Metz also highlighted some activities the program has already accomplished for the summer group.  These activities include trail walks, visiting some of Dayton’s staple museums like the Dayton Art Institute and the Dayton Air Force Museum. 

As far as fall is concerned, the essential goal is to help the new students get familiar with each other and share their talents and hobbies, talent shows, trivia nights and art shows.

Metz gave a small tour of the new look for the program space, which has been upgraded to accommodate the large population size of the incoming students. Metz expressed that this is not just a certified program, but also mentioned that this fall, there will be some students graduating with their associate’s degree, ensuring that there is a wide range of options depending on students’ goals.

“This fall, one of our students will earn her associate’s degree and has already been accepted to Seville to continue towards a bachelor’s degree,” Metz said.

Metz went on to explain some of the highlights of being part of the program and a member of the TOPS team.

“I feel overall working closely with students, seeing their growth, in their journey, while fulfilling a goal.” Metz said.

Beyond academics, Tartan TOPS helps students build confidence and lifelong friendships. This program is designed to create an environment where students are encouraged to advocate for themselves, discover their strengths and explore what adulthood could look like on their terms. 

From classroom learning to real-world experiences, students at Tartan TOPS leave with more than just a certificate or a degree, but they exit the program with a sense of direction and purpose. 

Looking ahead, Metz and the team remain focused on evolving the program to meet students changing needs. TOPS is committed to ensuring guidance to students throughout their college experience and helping them thrive afterwards.

Tartan TOPS is more than just a program; it is a community that values support, growth and student empowerment. This fall will bring the largest cohort yet another step into the program’s bright and promising future.

Casey Brewer, staff writer

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