That is exactly where the story of the Northwestern NEXT program began – with a need. A mother, Louri Poppema, came up to me on the NW campus grounds one day and simply asked me if I would consider making a way for her son Trey to experience college.

Trey had been out of high school for a year and all his friends had gone off to college, many to either Dordt or Northwestern. Trey has Down Syndrome and did not qualify to attend college. But that’s where I came in. At the time, I was the Disability Service Provider for students with documented learning and physical disabilities at NWC. I thought about Louri’s request for a few seconds and responded, “Why not”!

I had heard of other programs doing such things and thought it’s just the right thing to do something like this at NWC. There are actually close to 300 colleges and universities across the country with similar programs, but I thought we need one here. So I asked. And I was told to start small. So having one student—Trey—was a good place to start!

I learned a lot in those first two years working with Trey. In addition, I had the support and assistance of Tonya Moore-Huss, a fellow professor who shared the same passion I did for students with disabilities. Tonya, an excellent special education professor, really loved Trey and provided the help and expertise necessary for Trey’s experience here to be a success.

Trey is still a part of the Northwestern community and because of him, along with a substantial donation for the program’s continuation, we currently have seven students in the program with several more wanting to come next fall. Each one of them have a story to tell about how they have arrived here. It has been so affirming to see how God has worked out so many details to have such a program. It is also humbling simply to be a part of something God is doing and to witness His faithfulness in so many ways.

We are extremely excited about our new brochure, which will be available in the next few weeks, thanks to the work and creativity of the NEXT Program’s Assistant Director, Samantha Martin, along with the designing expertise of Duane Beeson and the Public Relations Department. It will be great to have this available to give to all those interested as I continue to receive calls and emails on a weekly basis from parents, teachers, vocational rehabilitation counselors and strategists wanting to know more about us. I continue to have meetings set up with other school districts interested in what we have to offer. And once we have a student come to our program from a school district, additional students from the same school have either come or shown interest in coming in the future.

So, now the program is up and running and already growing! It’s a challenging and enabling program, and also a fun one! We just finished having a fun weekend event, going to Camp High Hopes near Sioux City. There we experienced a 35 foot swing out in the trees with lots of screams and fun, along with a tree climbing course and archery. Everyone faced their fears and aimed for targets and seemed to enjoy themselves. We topped it all off with a trip to Wells Blue Bunny for ice cream and lots of pictures. The peers that went along—mentors in the program—were terrific and seemed to have as much fun as anyone. And it’s committed mentors and fellow students at NWC who really make the NEXT program distinctive. We are a community that cares for EVERYONE!

By: John Menning.

With the 2019-2020 school year well underway, we at the NEXT program, here at Northwestern College, are reflecting on what our students have achieved and are looking forward to what they will achieve in the coming year.  As the newest member of the program, I am delighted to meet everyone and see the growth that has happened in only one academic year.  Most students entering college will tell you they are feeling any mix of emotions from nervous to excited, fearful to overwhelmed.  The NEXT students are no different!  They are embarking on an incredible journey from high school to college and eventually independent living and careers.  And we get the privilege of journeying with them!  

John Menning, our Director, dreamed up the idea of a two year NEXT program in 2015 and launched a pilot program at the beginning of the 2016-2017 academic year with the first student.  In May of 2018 the NEXT program graduated that student to resounding applause and cheering from the entire student body! Jon Schuiteman, a faithful volunteer, joined the team for the 2018-2019 academic year, along with 5 additional students.  And finally, in August 2019 I joined the NEXT program along with three new students.

Each NEXT student lives in dorm – some with a roommate and some on their own.  They eat in the cafeteria, participate in dorm life: including D groups, Coly Christmas Bash, Hosper’s Coffee Shop, North Suite Putt Putt, Fern Swap Meet, and the “Steggy Keggy”—a decorating competition complete with root beer floats! 

Each student is enrolled in three NEXT Classes: Life Skills, Careers Class, and Wellness, in which we cover applicable topics pertaining to independent living and careers.  NEXT students also audit classes from the course catalog, participating in class and completing assignments alongside their peers.  I meet with each student and professor and together we discuss the assignments the student will complete, along with and needed modifications.

In addition, students are also encouraged to participate in campus activities and clubs.  This year there are students in the Sign Language Club, on the Cheer Leading team, taking Guitar lessons, managing the Volleyball team, and singing in Choir! Our students are busy and ambitious and intent on getting the absolute MOST out of their college experience!

THIS IS THEIR TIME and they are LIVING WITH PURPOSE!  

As we begin year four of the NEXT program, we are eager to see our students grow in independence, challenge one another and be challenged as they participate as active member of Northwestern’s Christian academic community.  We on staff are eager to find ever new ways to help students as they pursue a Christ-centered education that will empower them to transition to independent living!