The internationally recognized Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) is a structured support program providing assistance to bright college-able students with specific learning disabilities or AD/HD. PAL has been widely recognized as the country's first college program of its kind and for its leadership role over the years. Since its inception, PAL has focused on providing comprehensive, strength-based support to students in a proactive environment.

Throughout the academic year, students in PAL are fully mainstreamed in their classes and receive additional support on a proactive basis. Students work in individual and small group sessions with a PAL faculty member developing strategies in areas such as reading comprehension, written language, speaking, listening and time management. These skills are continually related to the students' individual profiles of learning. Students in PAL develop self-advocacy skills, as they are encouraged to become their own "LD specialist" armed with an understanding of their learning strengths and disabilities.

PAL students are first and foremost Curry College students.  The program seeks bright, college-able students who have a primary diagnosis of a language-based learning disability and/or AD/HD, and who have at least average to superior intellectual ability.  Specifically, PAL is designed to support students who:

• Demonstrate solidly Average to Superior intelligence as measured by a comprehensive cognitive assessment (WAIS-III or Woodcock Johnson).  We are best able to support students who can comprehend the concepts presented in their classes, but need assistance in demonstrating that understanding.
• Desire both a challenging academic curriculum and individualized academic support within a 4-year liberal arts setting.
• Seek to understand the nature of their own learning process and to acquire skills and strategies for college success.  Many PAL graduates attribute their later success in graduate school or in their careers to the insights and skills they acquired as PAL students.
• Possess a a primary diagnosis of a language-based learning disability or AD/HD.  The diagnostic testing that is submitted with the application serves as a springboard for discussion about how each student learns.  Students are guided through their testing profile to help understand their learning strengths in order to use them to develop strategies for success.
• Desire a proactive, mentoring relationship with a learning specialist.  The PAL instructor and student work in partnership, identifying ways to anticipate problems before they arise and strategizing ways to address new issues as they emerge.
• Seek other bright, college-able peers who have had similar experiences. 
• Understand academic frustration from past experiences, but have the motivation to achieve success with support.

Please note that PAL is NOT designed for students whose overall cognitive ability is in the Low Average range or below, who demonstrate a significant need for social skills support or remediation, or who have a primary diagnosis of a disability other than a learning disability. Such applicants, if otherwise qualified for admission to Curry, are eligible for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through Curry's Disabilities Office.

Finally, the following information may be helpful…

• PAL students comprise approximately 25-30% of the entering class; they are fully integrated on campus, often enrolled in the Honors Programand are often leaders in student government, athletics, the arts, and other aspects of campus life.
• Curry offers Merit Scholarships, Leadership Scholarships, and PAL scholarships based on motivation, academic promise and potential to contribute to Curry.
• Graduates from PAL have moved on to a wide range of careers and graduate opportunities including law school and doctoral programs. 
• Deadline for application to PAL is March 1 (July 1 for Transfers).
• SAT’s are not required of applicants to PAL.