ADMISSIONS

Dharma Dreams Vocational Center offers adapted technical training to students in the age range of 18-21, who have graduated from high school with a diploma, and those aged 22-26,  who have a  true desire to learn one of the vocations offered, and who have the ability to learn hands-on material.  We recognize that there are special needs and different learning disabilties, so we are focused on teaching these skills differently from traditional trade schools.

If your child meets the following criteria, he or she may be a candidate for Dharma Dreams Vocational Center:

• Diagnosed special needs such as language, cognitive and other learning disabilities
• Expressed interest in learning technical and trade skills
• Ability to learn and abide by safety rules
• Manual dexterity to handle equipment and tools of their chosen trade
• Does well with a compassionate, supportive approach to learning
• Functions well in a structured and predictable environment
• Interest in building friendships and lasting relationships with peers
• Tends to enjoy typical teenage and young adult activities such as participating in sports, biking, social interactions such as dances and parties, and more
• Has mastered basic daily living skills and personal hygiene
• Has ability to navigate a campus indepdently if necessary
• WISC or WAIS scores between 65–90 or functional abilities within that range.
• Wants to attend this program and willing to participate in classroom work, hands on learning,  career development and social experiences

Although Dharma Dreams Vocational Center is open to many special needs and learning profiles from anxiety to ADHD to autism and a variety of intellectual disabilities, at this time, we are not able to accept students with emotional and behavioral issues that could interfere with their personal safety and learning or the safety and learning of the students around them.  If you feel Dharma Dreams could be the right place for you or your child, please fill out the application.

Right now is a great time to apply! We accept and review applications all year long. With a completed and accepted application, you can save your spot now!

Thank you so much for considering Dharma Dreams Vocational Center to help you fulfill your dreams!  Please click on the “Apply Now” button in the upper right corner of the page.   This is an initial application and we may require additional information regarding diagnosis, interests and more.  Once everything is reviewed and your application seems appropriate, we can schedule an interview to meet you in person. Apply Now

We are excited that you are looking to fulfill your career dreams!  All applications and associated materials may be submitted partially online and in-person or mail. The following is a list of items we may require to help make sure Dharma Dreams Vocational Center is a good fit for you.  

• Application
• Most Current IEP
• Student photo
• Release of Information
• Neuropsychological Evaluation
• Speech and Language Evaluation
• Occupational Therapy Evaluation
• The last 3-year evaluation from your school district

Dharma Dreams strives to help all students afford our program. Please contact us for scholarship opportunities and other financial aid. 

If you are already working with DDS, check out their Self-Directed program so that you can decide on the services that work for you.  Speak to your DDS representative for more details and check it out here: https://www.mass.gov/dds-self-directed-services

Talk to Mass Hire about financial assistance: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/financial-aid-for-job-training

Consider a bank loan from your local bank such as Citizens Bank: https://shorturl.at/EP0ov

529 Plans Can Help Pay Tuition

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 contains a provision that allows use of Section 529 savings to pay for private K–12 education up to $10,000 per year, per child starting in 2018. Please speak with your tax advisor about how you can use these funds or how you can establish this account now.

Medical Expenses

It is possible that there are other means for getting tax advantages for your tuition?   Ask your tax advisor if the tuition and related expenses can be deducted as a medical expense.