Officials with the ASCEND Program at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) will host a Preview Day from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 28 in rooms 104 and 105 of the Lybyer Technology Center, 605 W. Main St., in West Plains.

ASCEND Program Director Mikala King said the drop-in event is for students, parents, area school counselors and special education teachers, and representatives of developmental disability organizations to come and learn more about the program.

What is ASCEND?

The ASCEND (Autism Support Can Empower New Directions) Program is designed to help area students with autism transition into college and toward a life of personal success and independence.

The program, which is the first of its kind in this region, offers specialized support services to students so they can successfully navigate a traditional college path and reach personally-chosen goals.

Students attending the event can begin the application process for the program that evening, King said. Representatives from the university’s admissions and disability services will be on hand to assist in the process, she added.

For more information about the ASCEND Program Preview Day, contact King at 417-255-7711 or email ASCENDWP@MissouriState.edu.

For more information about the ASCEND Program, email ASCENDWP@MissouriState.edu or visit WP.MissouriState.edu/ASCEND.