VUnited Scholars Program
The VUnited Scholars Program is an inclusive two-year residential certificate program offered through ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥'s College of Professional Studies. This program has the following three foundational pillars: academic enrichment, campus engagement, and career development.
Engaging in an Augustinian, Catholic, valued-centered, residential environment offers students a meaningful and unique integrated college experience. The program encourages students to realize their learning potential and maximize their personal growth while preparing them for fulfilling, sustainable employment.
Designed for highly motivated young adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, this opportunity combines academic coursework with community engagement and career development experiences.Â
Live Virtual Information Session
Tuesday, August 12 at 7:00 PM
Fall Visitation Day (On Campus)
Saturday, October 25 at 11:00 AM
Live Virtual Information Session
Wednesday, November 5 at 7:00 PM
Live Virtual Information Session
Wednesday, December 3 at 7:00 PM
Through VUnited Scholars, Students Will:
- Challenge themselves and others to step outside their comfort zones, push boundaries and learn who they truly are. Students will nurture and develop their whole person and realize their full potential through opportunities to engage, serve, and ignite change.Â
- Actively build community through meaningful participation in peer relationships, student organizations, social events, service opportunities, and more.
- Strengthen self-determination and advocacy to promote autonomy and confidence in navigating both campus and community settings.
- Engage in inclusive college coursework, develop personalized learning strategies, and access academic resources to build knowledge and pursue individual educational goals.
- Explore career interests, participate in internships, and build professional skills to prepare for meaningful, competitive, integrated employment.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Structure
The program involves two years of classroom instruction, internships, group and individual advising, mentoring, and support. Each semester typically consists of four academic class days and one day that is an internship.
Living on Campus
Students will reside in a campus residence hall. As full time ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ students, VUnited Scholars enjoy ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ University’s extensive facilities for recreation, study, dining, and worship.
Curriculum
The VUnited Scholars program promotes the advancement of skills and knowledge in the following areas: Academics; Career Development; and Community Engagement. The academic components include the opportunity to enroll in inclusive learning experiences and VUnited Scholars Seminar courses detailed below.
Support & Mentorship
Person-centered, strengths-based planning guides the development of a student’s program of study, including course selection, internship placement, and engagement in campus life. Students will be supported and mentored by peers, faculty, and staff to ensure students are thriving in all aspects of their ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ experience.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
To earn a Certificate in Community and Professional Development, students complete the following:
- Academic Coursework:Ìý
- VUnited Seminars (6 hrs/wk)
- Academic Experiences with Traditional Students (minimum of 3 hrs/wk):
-  Students are required to participate in an academic experience with traditional students for a minimum of three hours per week.
- These can include formal learning experiences such as:
- An audited and/or credit-bearing ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ undergraduate course from the Academic Catalog;
- Professional Education courses and workshops offered through the College of Professional Studies;
- Non-credit-bearing leadership training or other courses at the University.Â
- Career Development and Vocational Experiences:ÌýStudents will receive career planning, application, coaching and placement in an internship.
- Campus and Community Engagement:Ìý
- Student Life programs, clubs, and events
- Campus Ministry
- Residence Hall programming
- Special Campus Events (Lectures, St. Thomas of ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Day, MLK Day of Service, etc.)
- Recreational Activities   Â
View theÂ
View the VUnited Scholars Program Student and Family Handbook
Fall 2026 Cohort Application datesÂ
August 2025 |
Application Opens |
December 15, 2025 |
Deadline to Apply with all Materials |
| February 13 & 20, 2026 |
Final Candidacy Days - Selected students will shadow a current VUnited Scholars student and have lunch. The Admissions Team will meet with parents/guardians while students are shadowing. |
March 6, 2026 |
Decisions Released |
April 10, 2026 |
Accepted Students' Day |
May 1, 2026 |
Deposit Due |
Occasionally, space may become available over the Summer; please inquire cps.info@villanova.edu if the application is re-opened.
TUITION 2026-2027: TBD
Housing & Meals 2025-2026: ~$20,000*, 2026-27 TBDÂ Click here for applicable rates
The VUnited Scholars Program is a certificate program, not a degree granting program. However, ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ University  is an approved . This designation affords students the opportunity to receive funding from the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work-Study Programs. Students complete a  to determine eligibility.VUnited Scholars is PA waiver-approved, and students can access OVR funding.
*Rates vary based on selected meal plan.
The ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Difference
The College of Professional Studies has cultivated a distinguished reputation for delivering the hallmark ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ experience — academically rigorous, top-quality and innovative programs within a supportive community — to students who are pursuing higher education amidst busy professional and personal lives. As an internationally recognized institution, ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ is proud of its vibrant community of alumni, faculty, students and staff who are dedicated to driving meaningful impact and transformative change within their communities.
At ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥, we believe where you've been is just the beginning. Â
Pursue the Next You.â„¢
The VUnited Scholars Program seeks new partners who believe in expanding inclusive access to higher education.
GET IN TOUCH
Our enrollment counselors are happy to answer any questions you have about our certificate programs.
Call 610-519-4300
Learn more about financing your professional education and the professional education enrollment terms and conditions.