Residential Programs for Diverse Learners: Creating Opportunities for Success

Residential programs for diverse learners are increasingly recognized as a valuable bridge between high school and college. These programs offer students with learning differences—such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and executive function challenges—targeted support in a structured living and learning environment.

What Are Residential Programs for Diverse Learners?

Residential programs for diverse learners offer supervised, supportive housing and coaching services alongside college coursework or independent living experiences. The goal is to support not just academic success, but also life skills, social engagement, and emotional well-being.

These programs are especially beneficial for students who:

• Thrive with additional structure and scaffolding
• Need time to develop independent living skills
• Struggle with transitions and benefit from adult-initiated support
• Require support in building social relationships

Core Components of Effective Residential Programs for Diverse Learners

1. Individualized Coaching and Support: From academic tutoring to emotional regulation, students receive personalized guidance.
2. Structured Daily Routines: Consistent schedules support time management, sleep hygiene, and executive functioning.
3. Social Opportunities with Built-in Support: Staff-facilitated social events help students engage and build peer relationships.
4. Life Skills Development: Cooking, budgeting, transportation, and more are taught in real-world contexts.
5. Integrated Academic Support: Residential programs coordinate with colleges to ensure students access necessary accommodations.

Why Choose a Residential Program Instead of Traditional College Housing?

While dorms offer a full college experience, they often lack the daily support many students need. Residential programs for diverse learners provide a middle ground: fostering independence in a scaffolded, supportive environment.

Mansfield Hall: A National Leader in Residential Programs for Diverse Learners

Mansfield Hall offers one of the most comprehensive residential programs for diverse learners in the country. Located in Burlington, VT; Madison, WI; and Eugene, OR, our campuses partner with local colleges to offer students a truly integrated experience.

We specialize in supporting students with learning differences, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and executive function challenges. Our approach includes:

• Daily staff support and coaching
• Access to local college coursework
• Structured social and life skills programming
• Person-centered goal setting and progress monitoring
• A fun and robust social environment

Students in our program don’t just attend college—they thrive in it.

Interested in learning more about how a residential program can support your student? Contact Mansfield Hall to see if our program is the right fit for your family.