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Tartan TOPS

Tartan Tops...Educational/Career Pathway

Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Erin Ritchey Educator Award Winner, 2022

League for Innovation in the Community College, Innovation of the Year Award Winner, 2023

Sinclair Community College invites you to apply for our Tartan TOPS Program (Transition Option in Post-Secondary Education). 

The TOPS Program will provide an educational/career pathway for part-time students who have an intellectual disability. Students completing the pathway will receive an Academic Career Readiness and Training credential. The general education courses taken as part of this program will assist students with developing the skills needed for academic and career success. Students will complete two semesters of internship experiences to prepare them to enter the workforce.

Professionals, including high schools and transition coordinators, as well as other organizations who would like to request additional information or presentations can complete the Professional Tartan TOPS Interest Form.

 

 

Career Readiness & Training Transition Program

The main components of the program include:

  • Application, skills assessment, and interview
  • Orientation to program goals and expectations
  • Career Readiness and Training Program classes
  • Embedded tutoring in required academic courses
  • Extensive opportunities for training on assistive technology
  • Tutoring services to provide assistance in reading, writing, math, and study strategies
  • A peer-mentoring program
  • Academic accommodations and career-focused counseling
  • Internships
  • Extracurricular activities

Admission Process

The admissions process requires students to complete and submit the following documents:

  • Application 
    • Applications for Fall 2025 are open through April 1, 2025. If you are interested in joining us in August, apply today!
      • Applications completed after the April 1 deadline will be considered based on program availability. We encourage all applicants to apply early to be ensured consideration.
  • Skills Assessment
  • Evaluation Team Report (ETR)
  • Evidence of prior/current IEP or 504 Plan or other supporting documentation
  • Questions about your application status? Please contact Tristan Chaput, faculty and program coordinator: tristan.chaput@sinclair.edu

 

Tuition and Fees

Tartan TOPS students pay only for Sinclair tuition and fees. Students are enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester. There are no additional Tartan TOPS program fees. All students are encouraged to apply for federal student aid by completing the FAFSA.

 

Tartan TOPS Podcast 

The Tartan TOPS Podcast highlights the experiences of TOPS students. 

  • A Conversation with Sierra | view Transcription
    In this episode, Tristan Chaput, Tartan TOPS Program Coordinator, sits down with Sierra, a student in her first semester at Sinclair. They discuss Sierra's career goals, her academic classes, as well as advice she has for prospective students.
  • A Conversation with Mady | view Transcription
    In this episode, Sierra and Mady share their experiences in the Tartan TOPS Program including how they learned about the program, internships, and classes. Mady and Sierra both share their dreams for the future and advice for prospective students.
Contact Icon Contact Information:

Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 
P: 937-512-2309
Public Videophone
P: 937-701-6784
Email: tristan.chaput@sinclair.edu

Info Icon More Info:
 
 
 

The Tartan TOPS Lounge

Welcome to the Tartan TOPS Lounge, your place to call home! Tartan TOPS students have access to special places on campus where they can relax, socialize, and study.

Located in Building 9, Room 316, students enjoy using the Tartan TOPS Lounge to socialize and study. The space is intended to be a spot where cohorts can gather or students can spend time with friends. Students can also work on homework or surf the web at one of the computer stations. Headphones and webcams are available if they are needed.

If students are looking to decompress from the day or just need some quiet time, they can enjoy the sensory room. Equipped with a couch, plants, art work, books, and manipulatives, it is the perfect space to just relax. Room 315, home to the Program Coordinator and Transition Support Specialist, also has a private area where students can focus on their academics or meet with supports from across the college. Bookshelves have literature about campus and community resources as well as office supplies for student use. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Tartan TOPS Lounge or the program, please contact Tristan Chaput, Faculty and Program Coordinator to schedule your campus visit! She can be reached by email at tristan.chaput@sinclair.edu.