For the most recent information regarding admission procedures and program requirements, please see the BUILD Program admissions webpage, https://www.bethel.edu/undergrad/admissions/apply/build/

First-Year Students Applying to the BUILD Program

• Submit your online application

  • Each year applications are accepted from August 1 through July 31 with a priority deadline of December for those wanting to join the cohort starting the following calendar year (e.g. applying by December 2024 to start in the fall of 2025).

• Submit your Transcript/IEP/Evaluation Request Form (pdf) and supporting documents

  • If you have the most recent IEP and Evaluation Report, these can be emailed to build-program@bethel.edu. Transcripts must be submitted through a secure online portal or in a sealed envelope to the BUILD Program or Office of Admissions.

• Complete a Physical Form (pdf)

  • As part of our partnership with Special Olympics, we use the "Application for Participation in Special Olympics" to ensure that students will be ready to participate in Bethel Student Government’s Unified Sports Club, if they choose to do so.
  • Completed forms can be sent to BUILD Program or Office of Admissions.
  • This information is also shared with Health and Counseling Services to be sure we have a complete health history on file.

Program Requirements

• Meet the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) definition of Intellectual Disability (ID)
• Are 18-25 years old when starting the program
• Have completed high school with a diploma or equivalent
• Complete a comprehensive application process including an independent assessment and interviews
• Demonstrate interest and motivation in attending the program
• Can function with support in a college setting
• Can articulate and demonstrate faith in God
• Are able to safely get around campus during class transitions, mealtimes, and other extracurricular activities
• Have practical reading and math skills
• Have family support and desire to gain skills for employment and independent living

As part of the criteria for BUILD, students must meet the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) definition of Intellectual Disability (ID) including having a documented IQ score in the 70s or lower and demonstrating limitations in adaptive functioning. 

IQ scores and adaptive functioning limitations are typically documented through either a school evaluation report or medical evaluation. Adaptive functioning limitations are also noted in the BUILD Application Functional Skills Assessment.