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St. André Bessette Open Doors Inclusion Program

The St. André Bessette Open Doors Inclusion Program at St. Mary Catholic Central provides students with cognitive and developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience a faith-filled, inclusive Catholic high school education alongside their peers.

 

Established in the fall of 2018, the St. André Bessette Open Doors Inclusion Program was the first program of its kind among Catholic schools in the State of Michigan. Designed to provide students of all learning abilities with an inclusive secondary education rooted in faith, the program focuses on academic growth, social development, faith formation, life skills, and post-secondary readiness within the welcoming SMCC community.

Since its inception, the program has welcomed 15 Bessette Scholars and fostered a culture of compassion, belonging, and inclusion throughout the school community. Students participate in classes, athletics, clubs, retreats, liturgies, and extracurricular activities while receiving individualized academic support tailored to their unique strengths and goals. Through academic accommodations, individualized support, and a peer mentorship program that has engaged nearly 150 trained SMCC students since 2018, Bessette Scholars are empowered to grow spiritually, academically, socially, and vocationally alongside their peers.

 

Program Highlights

 

  • Individualized curriculum and support plans
  • Inclusive classroom experiences alongside SMCC peers
  • Peer Mentor Program with trained student mentors
  • Faith-centered environment rooted in Catholic values
  • Participation in athletics, clubs, retreats, and school activities
  • Life skills, career readiness, and transition planning
  • Internship and employment opportunities
  • Support services in partnership with the Monroe County ISD
  • Certificate of Completion and Modified Diploma pathways available

 

A Truly Inclusive Experience

 

Students in the Open Doors Inclusion Program are active members of the SMCC community. Each student receives a customized educational plan designed collaboratively with families, school administration, and the Director of Inclusion.

 

Through the Peer Mentor Program, SMCC students serve as mentors and classroom partners, helping foster friendships, academic support, social growth, and a culture of belonging throughout the school community. Since the program began, nearly 150 SMCC students have served as peer mentors.

Academic & Transition Support

 

The program supports students in developing academic, social, vocational, and independent living skills. Coursework and accommodations are personalized to each student’s abilities and goals.

 

In addition to classroom instruction, students may participate in:

 

  • Career exploration
  • Resume and interview preparation
  • Community-based internships
  • Employment readiness training
  • Post-secondary transition planning

Graduates of the program have gone on to a variety of successful post-secondary and employment pathways. Several have transitioned directly into the workforce, while others have continued their educational and vocational development through post-graduate programs at The University of Toledo, Eastern Michigan University, Monroe County Community College, and the Project SEARCH program through the Monroe County Intermediate School District.

Faith at the Center

 

Rooted in the mission of Catholic education, the program reflects SMCC’s belief that every student is created in the image of God and deserves to belong, grow, and thrive within a Christ-centered community.

 

Students participate fully in the spiritual life of the school through Mass, prayer services, retreats, theology courses, and service opportunities.

Why St. André Bessette?

 

The program is named after Saint André Bessette, a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross known for welcoming all people with compassion, dignity, and faith. His life serves as a model for the spirit of inclusion and hospitality that defines the Open Doors Inclusion Program.

A group of students in school uniforms pose in a hallway with a mural on the wall behind them.

Contact Information

 

For more information about the St. André Bessette Open Doors Inclusion Program, please contact:

 

Julie Uhl
Director of Admissions
admissions@smccmonroe.com
734-241-7622 ext. 406

 

-or-

 

Joe Carroll
Principal
joecarroll@smccmonroe.com
734-241-7622 ext. 301

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