Minnesota Independence College and Community

Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC)

Motto	Learn Skills. Experience Life.
Type	Nonprofit program
Established	1996
President	Amy Gudmestad (Chief Executive Officer)
Students	200
Location	Richfield , Minnesota , United States
Nickname	MICC
Mascot	CeCe Bulldog
Website	www.micc.org

Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC) provides transformative education and training for autistic and neurodivergent adults. MICC is in located in Richfield, Minnesota, United States.

History

Minnesota Independence College and Community, previously known as Minnesota Life College, is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1996 by Bev and Roe Hatlen, co-founders of Old Country Buffet. One of the Hatlen's children had a developmental disability, and upon graduation of high school had only a handful of schools like MLC (Now known as MICC) to choose from, all scattered across the United States. It was at that time that the Hatlen's decided to start a post-secondary school for young adults with learning disabilities, since one did not already exist in Minnesota, and it was at this time that Minnesota Life College was opened. Minnesota Life College changed their name on August 1, 2018 to Minnesota Independence College and Community.

Program

Since 1996, MICC has provided transformative education and training for autistic and neurodivergent adults to live independently, work purposefully and thrive in community. From our home in Richfield, MN, MICC has cultivated a broad network of public and private partnerships to ensure accessibility to our programs and opportunities for MICC participants across Minnesota and nationwide.

Within our innovative framework of hands-on, skills-based learning and caring guidance, MICC participants accomplish things they never imagined, from performing daily living tasks and building self-sufficiency to developing and sustaining a career, support system and lifelong relationships. Within the safety and freedom of our inclusive community, MICC participants begin to see themselves in a new light, gaining the confidence they need to build the lives they want to live.

MICC offers four programs:

College program: The cornerstone of MICC is our 3-year College program for adults 18 to 30 years of age. Participants transition into adulthood by living in furnished on-campus apartments, earning career certificates, and connecting with the world through a variety of explorations and retreats. After graduation, participants may choose to join MICC’s Community program for ongoing individualized living and employment guidance, as well as access to social events, clubs, electives and experiences.

Career Confidence program: MICC’s Career Confidence is a welcoming, hands-on program for autistic and neurodivergent adults who want to build confidence, try new things and feel more prepared for work. It’s designed for individuals with some life or work experience who are motivated to grow toward meaningful employment. Through guided activities, real-life experiences and strong connections within our inclusive community, participants build skills, confidence and clarity, helping them explore work options that fit their interests, strengths and goals.

Connect program: MICC’s Connect program supports autistic and neurodivergent young adults in building the social confidence and communication skills needed for healthy relationships, greater independence and a fulfilling life while staying authentically themselves. In a welcoming, inclusive setting, participants learn alongside peers who share similar experiences and interests, practice real-life interactions in community settings and receive individualized coaching that helps turn understanding into action.

Summer program: MICC’s Summer program is a weeklong journey for autistic and neurodivergent teens and young adults age 15 to 30 years of age to a future filled with possibilities for living independently, working purposefully and thriving in community. This is a great introduction to MICC’s hands-on, skills-based approach as attendees build independent living skills, explore careers through on-the-job learning, practice self-advocacy and receive social coaching.

Annual Gala

In 2004, the school held its first benefit to raise money for the students and program. Since then, once a year, MICC holds a benefit to raise money for the program. The Gala, as it is commonly referred, raises money to help with scholarships for families in need of assistance, as well as support program costs. It consists of both a silent and live auction, accompanied by a formal sit down meal and various speakers, including students in the program. In the past, the event has been emceed by a local celebrity in the community (such as KARE/11 news anchor Julie Nelson in 2004 and 2005). Mostly recently, the event has been co-emceed by CEO Amy Gudmestad and a chosen MICC participant.

See also

• Intellectual disability and higher education in the United States