co-collegiate Mentorship program
The Co-Collegiate Mentorship Program pairs student mentors and students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Mentors act as informal peer liaisons by supporting academic success, encouraging independence, and fostering social connection through structured study time paired with shared campus activities.
Post-secondary institution partners
the BUILD Program, Bethel university
MSS continues to partner with Bethel University on the BUILD Progam, supporting 22 Academic Student Mentors working with 32 mentees throughout the 2025–2026 year.
The BUILD Program features a variety of mentors who support their integrative higher education program. Students who complete the program are awarded a Certificate of Applied Studies with a career pathway in arts and communication, business, or human services.
As of Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, MSS has supported the BUILD program through funding of hours of study time.
Occupational skills program, Central Lakes College
Central Lakes College’s Occupational Skills Program is a core competencies-based Comprehensive Transition Program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Brainerd.
The Occupational Skills Program empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve their career goals through a unique blend of work-based training, career exploration, and classroom instruction. Students build skills and gain experience in Supervised Pre-Internship settings all designed to prepare them for a successful transition into competitive entry-level employment or continuing their college education in their chosen career path.
MSS supports the Occupational Skills Program through funding from the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Beyond Limits Program, Free Lutheran Bible College
Beyond Limits is based at the Free Lutheran Bible College campus in Plymouth and offers a fully inclusive, two-year residential college experience with audited college classes, independent living skills courses, and employment internships within an integrated campus.
MSS will support Beyond Limits through funding and training for Academic Student Mentors starting in Fall 2026.
gained program, normandale community college
MSS recently began supporting the new GainED Program at Normandale Community College in Bloomington.
Students in the GainED program take classes with their peers, participate in internships or other work-based opportunities, and engage in social and independent living activities. Students have the opportunity to focus on areas of interest in their elective courses, internships, and social and recreational activities. Upon completion of the program, students are awarded a Comprehensive Applied Skills Certificate.
For more information, please contact Jacqueline Colt, MSS Business & Partnership Specialist, at jcolt@mssmn.org.