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Making Life-Changing Experiences Accessible

PAL 50th Logo

Nothing should stand between you and a great education, even if you learn differently than others. For more than 50 years, Curry College’s Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL), has provided learning resources for students with diagnosed learning differences, executive function challenges and/or AD/HD. As the oldest program of its kind in the country, we’re a leader in accessible student services. And it shows: 1 in 5 incoming Curry students participates in PAL.

Get the Support You Deserve:

A student in the Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) meets with her professor

PAL Academic Experience

PAL gives you the 1-on-1 support you need to excel. In addition to the required courses you’ll take for your major, you’ll also take individual or small just-for-PAL classes that place an extra focus on skills like reading comprehension, organization and time management.

Curry College Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) student working with his PAL faculty advisor

PAL Admission

If you’re a bright, college-ready student who happens to need accommodations to thrive, PAL may be for you. With limited space, we’re best able to serve students of average to superior intelligence who can grasp classroom concepts but require assistance demonstrating that knowledge.

Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) students in class in the PAL AT Center

Technology and Accommodations

Every student in PAL gets access to apps and other resources to make learning simpler. People are still at the core of everything we do, though: The PAL Assistive Technology (AT) Center provides personalized instruction to make sure you’re getting the most out of those tools.

Students in the Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) participate in a Summer PAL group activities

Summer PAL

Get your Curry College experience off to a running start in our four-credit Summer PAL program. Make friends, meet faculty, prepare for college classwork and gain independence by living in a residence hall for three weeks. Space is limited—learn more today!

A Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) student is assisted by a PAL faculty member

Value Added Services

PAL is for all learners, including adult students and individuals whose first language isn't English. We’re a community resource as well: PAL provides testing and evaluation services to children and adults who aren’t enrolled here.

Students reaching for popcorn on movie night

Social Achievement in Learning (SAIL) Program

The Social Achievement in Learning (SAIL) program is designed for academically capable students who live with social or emotional challenges that may otherwise prevent them from reaching their full potential in college.

A Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) faculty member teaching a student

PAL Parents

PAL builds resourceful, independent students. Learn about the resources at PAL so you can encourage your child to take advantage of everything available.

Jackson Greeno ‘23

PAL Support Made College a Reality for Jackson Greeno ‘23

When Jackson Greeno was approaching the end of his high school career, he was doubtful that he would continue his formal education any further. As someone who has struggled with learning differences such as dyslexia, anxiety, and attention-deficit disorder, he was fearful that the support he received in high school wouldn’t translate into higher education. That was, until he discovered the Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) at Curry College.

Highlights in PAL

Curry College Seal

Curry College Faculty Accomplishments Summer/Fall 2023

The cherished members of the Curry College faculty are known for their tireless dedication and support to our students - but they are also leading scholars, scientists, artists, and trailblazers in their respective fields. See their many accomplishments from this past summer and fall.
Jay Gonzalez, 15th President of Curry College

Jay Gonzalez Appointed as President of Curry College

Curry College’s Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Jay Gonzalez as the College’s 15th president. The board’s unanimous decision was the culmination of a thoughtful and thorough search process that was conducted over the past eight months. Gonzalez has a deep breadth of experience in the law, government, education, politics, advocacy, and business leadership.
Faculty pose at 2022 Convocation

Present, Publish, and Produce: Spring 2023 Faculty Accomplishments

Curry faculty are dedicated educators and caring mentors to students as well as leading scholars, scientists, artists, and trailblazers in their disciplines. They are regularly published in notable academic publications, quoted as experts in the media, and applauded among peers at prestigious industry conferences.
Emma Keyes Poses Next to Dr. Nicole Parsons with PAL Award

Emma Keyes ’23 Stands Up for Neurodivergent Injustice with Self-Published Novel

Emma Keyes was tired of hearing the “Hollywood version” of Autism and thought the world deserved a genuine one. As a compassionate, caring, and motivated young woman, and also one living with Autism, she decided to do just that by self-publishing her first novel, entitled "Through My Eyes: A Different Perspective."
New Curry College Faculty, 2022-2023

Welcome New Faculty! 2022-2023

The Curry College community welcomes our newest faculty members to campus for the 2022-2023 academic year. They are enthusiastic and ready to empower our students to excel, dedicating themselves to success inside and outside the classroom.
Colleen Myers ’08, MSN ’22, and her son Andrew Myers ’22

Mother and Son: A Graduation Story 26 Years in the Making

Years of hard work, determination, and love led Colleen Myers ’08, MSN ’22, and her son Andrew Myers ’22 to be two of the 661 students who walked across the stage at Curry’s 2022 Commencement. Andrew received his bachelor’s in communication with honors and his mother Colleen earned her master’s in nursing.
The Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics awarded Person of the Year for 2021-2022

53rd Annual Awards Recognition Ceremony Celebrates the Best of Curry College

Curry College honored the best and brightest during its 53rd Annual Awards Recognition Celebration. Over 60 awards were bestowed upon deserving recipients, highlighting the amazing feats achieved in academics, student life, the arts, and athletics.
Top 21 Stories of 2021 Collage

Year in Review: Our Top 21 News Stories in 2021

The Curry College community rallied together in 2021 to accomplish great things and make this year memorable despite the continuing pandemic. As we look forward to 2022, here are the top 21 stories from another unforgettable year.
Aviva Hollander '23 presents to the NorthEast Regional Computing Program

PAL Student Tutors Present on Learning How to Learn Through Technology

“Metacognition is learning about your learning and what type of learner you are,” said Matt Mariani, a senior software development major, during a webinar where he presented with fellow student Aviva Hollander, a senior sociology major, and Dr. Laura Vanderberg, director and professor in Curry’s Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL). The three gave an invited presentation to the NorthEast Regional Computing Program, a non-profit consortium serving higher education library and IT professionals.

Experience PAL

PAL students are leaders at Curry, with many joining our Honors Program and leading the way in the arts, in athletics, and in the classroom. They take on a wide range of careers after Curry and many have gone on to grad school, law school, or doctoral programs.

Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) faculty members assist students in a group session

Curry Named to Top 10 Best Colleges List for Students with LD's

College Magazine recently named Curry College on its Top 10 Best Colleges List for students with learning disabilities. The article references that "while 86 percent of colleges enroll students with learning disabilities, only 24 percent of them say they can actually help those students "to a major extent."

Read More

Enhance Your Learning Opportunities

Thousands of students have launched their dreams through PAL. Take the next step to learn whether you’re a good fit for our award-winning accessible learning program.