Video: Look, I'm in college!

Ken Browne

The half-hour documentary Look, I'm in College! follows four New York City kids through an extraordinary time in their lives. Together with Pace University, its faculty, and students, Terence, Benny, Donald, and Rayquan achieved a small miracle in the world of higher education. All four young men are African-Americans between the ages of 18 and 20. All are NYC public school students from challenging socio-economic backgrounds.

And all are autistic.

For students with developmental disorders such as theirs, going to college was rarely an option...until now. Through the efforts of a group of New York City teachers and administrators in the city's Special Education District 75, Pace's School of Education accepted a pilot class of autistic students from a high school inclusion program. The practice of inclusion brings developmentally challenged students into mainstream K-12 classes while encouraging their independence. Although inclusion took hold in public schools in the mid-90s, it has been minimal at the college level. In fact, in the borough of Manhattan, no public school students with autism had ever attended college until Pace took a chance with Terence, Benny, Donald, and Rayquan in 2006.

Look, I'm in College introduces viewers to these four inspiring students, and to the teachers and educators who made it possible for four autistic young men to attend college. The film follows the moving and uplifting journey of Terence, Benny, Donald, and Rayquan from their first year through a moving graduation ceremony from their special education school, P226M, held on the campus of Pace - their parents never dreamed might occur when their sons were just beginning their school journey.

Look, I'm in College shows viewers that if given the opportunity, many young people with special needs can lead fulfilling lives. Terence, Benny, Donald, and Rayquan are four brave young men whose achievements are nothing short of miraculous.

For more information on the film click here