A&M–San Antonio welcomed back a special group of alumni this week for the first-ever summer camp designed specifically for graduates of the Transition University for Career Advancement and Successful Adulthood (TU CASA) program.
Funded by a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, TU CASA provides students with intellectual disabilities a true college experience while equipping them with the life skills, academic knowledge, and job readiness training needed to transition into independent adulthood.
This week’s summer camp brought together 14 TU CASA graduates for a week of activities and bonding. Dr. Veronica Kallead, TU CASA project director, said it was both an energizing and impactful experience.
“It’s been a very busy week, but also very rewarding,” Kallead said. “I’ve definitely gotten in my 10,000 steps each day.”
Most of the campers stayed in a campus residence hall and participated in a variety of educational and social activities. They attended financial literacy classes—an especially relevant topic, as many of the graduates are now employed.
“We help them understand how to manage a budget, read their paychecks, and plan for the future,” Kallead said, noting that graduates have secured jobs with employers like the San Antonio Zoo and H-E-B.
The week also featured sessions with Care Warriors Inc., a local nonprofit that supports individuals with disabilities through tutoring, independent living, and vocational skills programs.
Campers took a field trip to Toyotetsu Texas Inc., a nearby auto parts manufacturer that offers a job training and development program for people with disabilities. The program can serve as a pipeline to employment at the facility.
The group also enjoyed an excursion to a local mall and bowling alley, and finally, a potluck lunch.
“That’s when everyone says their last goodbyes,” Kallead said. “The camp really builds their independence—but more than anything, they’re just enjoying themselves. They love being together. It’s been a great experience for everyone involved.”
Since the University launched TU CASA in 2021, 25 students have completed the program’s 18-month curriculum, which integrates university life with hands-on training in areas such as cooking, money management, and navigating public transportation. In their final two semesters, students complete internships tailored to their career interests.
Graduates receive a University and Career Experience Certificate, focused on specific career pathways and the development of independent living skills.