Titans UP! Transforms SPC Student’s Life by Creating Lasting Friendships and Career Success

Elizabeth Miller and Samantha Stanich | 1/24/2025

Portrait of SPC student Kailey Russell

The Titans UP! program provided more than just job training for student Kailey Russell. The program, designed for students with unique abilities, gave her lasting friendships and career success beyond the classroom.

SPC's Titans UP! is a two-year certificate program for students with intellectual disabilities. This fully adaptive college experience — considered a Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program — provides students with skills and knowledge to help them transition to independent adult roles and community‐based employment.

After aging out of high school at 22, Kailey joined Titans UP! The program afforded her the opportunity of a college experience through classes and activities, as well as job coaching. This included gaining interview skills and getting help with searching and applying for jobs. Kailey now works at Dunkin’, and her parents said through the program she’s gained communication skills and developed strong friendships.

“We are thrilled to share the inspiring story of one of our graduates from Titans UP! during FPCTP Awareness Week,” said Shanya Turner, Director of Holistic Student Services and Pre-College Success at SPC. “This incredible program empowers students with unique abilities, providing them with the skills and opportunities to achieve gainful employment and lead fulfilling lives.”

In addition to scholarships for tuition and fees, Titans UP! students receive peer mentoring and participate in workshops that focus on academic achievement, independent living, self‐determination, campus and community engagement, and career development and employment.

Titans UP! helped the once shy and quiet Kailey break out of her shell and develop lasting friendships. And, for that, Kailey says she will forever be an SPC Titan.

The Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities celebrates Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program (FPCTP) Awareness Week from Jan. 22-27. The week marks the anniversary of the Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Act, designed to support students with intellectual disabilities as they transition from high school to postsecondary education.