Join us for an exciting and informative day on the University of Oklahoma campus, tailored specifically for prospective high school students with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families. Discover what makes the Sooner Works program unique through a series of engaging activities and presentations.
Please Note: This event is designed for students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
Have a documented intellectual disability (ID) as defined by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD).
Be between the ages of 18-26 at the start of the program.
Be independent in handling medication, dietary, and other personal needs, as Sooner Works staff cannot manage these responsibilities.
Have sufficient emotional and independent stability to participate in all aspects of Sooner Works, including attending 90-minute academic courses and functioning independently in campus settings.
Demonstrate a desire to complete the Sooner Works program and adhere to program policies regarding attendance, participation, and conduct.
If you or your student meets these criteria, we encourage you to join us for this informative day. If you are unsure whether your student is a good fit for Sooner Works, please contact us before registering.
Event Highlights
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience our campus, meet future classmates, and get all your questions answered. We look forward to welcoming you and showing you why the Sooner Works program at OU is the perfect place for your educational journey.
Register here: Sooner Works College Preview Day Registration
This four-day, three-night summer experience is hosted by Sooner Works, an inclusive postsecondary education program at the University of Oklahoma, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). The academy is designed for high school students with documented intellectual or developmental disabilities (ID/DD) who want to explore college life and build skills for independence, career readiness, and social success.
We will admit up to 16 students (8 male and 8 female) who:
Are between the ages of 15–21
Have completed at least one year of high school but have not yet graduated
Have a documented intellectual disability
Are interested in exploring college after high school
Total cost: $1,000 — includes housing, meals, recreation, and instruction
Reduced rate: $150 for qualifying Oklahoma residents who are current or potentially eligible DRS clients (see online application for more information)
Non-residents: Pay the full $1,000 rate
Students will participate in engaging activities focused on the following pre-employment transition areas:
Career exploration
Work-based readiness
Postsecondary education opportunities
Self-determination
Independent living skills
To be eligible, students must:
Be between the ages of 15–21 and currently enrolled in high school
Be independent in personal hygiene and bathing
Have basic functional reading and math abilities
Be able to eat independently
Have no significant behavioral or emotional concerns
Be able to manage and adapt to changes in routine
Demonstrate potential for success in competitive employment
Each student must submit a complete application, which includes:
Online Application: 2025 Sooner Works Summer Academy Aplication
Two recommendations: 2025 Sooner Works Summer Academy Recommendation Form
Incomplete applications will not be considered. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that recommendation forms are submitted.
Due to limited space, not all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be admitted. Qualified applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to Oklahoma residents.
If you have any questions, please contact us at soonerworks@ou.edu.
All interested applicants can schedule a general tour of the OU campus by going to this registration link. Please note that this is not a tour specifically for Sooner Works. Students in Sooner Works are integrated with the general OU population to the fullest extent possible; as such, we do not have segregated facilities or dorms for our students,. The presentation and tour that you will register for at this link is the same tour that is available for all OU students.
