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Threshold Is More Than a Transition Program.

It's a place to make connections that last a lifetime. Don't take it from us, though. Learn about life after Threshold straight from our alumni.

Our alumni do exceptional things.

At the Threshold Program, we prepare young adults who have diverse learning challenges for the world of work and independent living. They gain career training in order to be successful in the workplace and in the real world. They learn how to budget, pay bills, use transportation, and be engaged members of their community. And best of all—they make friends for life.

Threshold Program alumni live full and independent lives. Over three-fourths of graduates live on their own and 95 percent of them tell us that they're satisfied with their levels of independence. Our alumni are working at jobs they love. Pursuing their goals for higher education. Spending quality time with friends. And even starting families of their own. But don't just take our word for it. Check out these alumni stories.

Dudley Williams III ’10

A Day in the Life of a Threshold Program Alum

A resident of Somerville, MA and a Marketing Coordinator at John Hancock, Dudley lives a full, independent life, which he credits to the support he gained at Lesley University.

Read more about Dudley Williams III
“At Threshold, I really connected with people. And whenever I had a question about the curriculum or even about getting around on the T someone always helped out.”
Maddie Jendzejec ’10
Devin Meyer Smiling At The Camera

Devin Meyer '90

When Devin was a teenager, he lacked direction. He always told himself, “I don’t need a plan after high school.” Threshold changed that. Devin’s dad heard of the program from an advocacy group and encouraged his son to apply. At Threshold, Devin discovered a love for early childhood education. Now he’s a lead teacher at Technology Childcare Centers, a preschool that serves the children of MIT professors and staff.

Threshold made such an impact on Devin that he now serves on its Advisory Board. He loves to talk about Threshold and share with people how he thinks the program could help them. When he’s not working at the preschool or working to make Threshold even better, he likes jogging, playing basketball, and going out to the movies with his friends.

Maddie-Jendzejec-Standing-In-Her-Living-Room-Smiling

Maddie Jendzejec ’10

Maddie loves to come back to Threshold. She likes to meet current students, see her professors again, and catch up with old friends. She likes coming back to campus so much because for Maddie, Threshold was all about the connections she made. This year’s semi-formal, a celebration of all things Threshold, was extra special. It gave her and her fiancé (Paul Robinson, another Threshold alum) a chance to practice dancing before their wedding.

The bonds that Maddie made through Threshold have lasted through the years. Ten years after graduating, Maddie and her freshman year roommate still live together. And many of Maddie’s classmates stayed in the area after graduating. When she isn’t busy planning for her upcoming wedding, Maddie likes to get together with the friends she made through the program. Sometimes they go on long walks together exploring Boston and sometimes they like to just hang out at the mall after work.

Paul-Robinson-Sitting-And-Smiling-At-Fiancee

Paul Robinson '02

Threshold gave Paul the opportunity of a lifetime. Every day, he honors his mom’s memory when he goes to work as a preschool teacher. Paul credits his mom, a teacher in Boston who worked with underserved populations, with his passion for education. Now, Paul's been a teacher for over fifteen years. The co-op that he teaches at is a close-knit community and Paul's favorite part of teaching is seeing his student’s all grown up.

Paul’s work with education doesn’t stop in the classroom, though. He volunteers his time as an advocate for students with disabilities. Through Threshold, Paul travels to colleges to speak with teachers in training. Along with other Threshold alumni, he sits on panels and talks about his experiences as a student. He focuses on helping future teachers prevent bullying in the classroom. When Paul isn’t working in education, he’s busy getting ready for his wedding to Maddie Jendzejec, another Threshold alumni.

Threshold Program Alum Adam Roberge

Adam Roberge '17

Adam can’t remember a time when he didn’t love cars. He read books and listened faithfully to Car Talk on NPR; later he started researching cars independently online and developed an encyclopedic knowledge of different makes and models. Thanks to this passion, he's now a researcher at Herb Chambers Mercedes-Benz of Boston.

“I’ve been interested in cars since I was a little kid," says Adam. “I always wanted to know what kind of car people drove. I knew what cars all my relatives had, what my friends’ parents drove, every minivan we rented on vacation.” For Adam, being at the Mercedes-Benz dealership every day and being paid to study and share his passion is a dream job. “I like getting to check out the cars, describe them, tell people what they need to know about each car.”

Read the rest of Adam's story.

“The Threshold faculty and staff are like a family to one another and all share my enthusiasm. I am very lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of this family.”
Dr. Bill Mitchell, Professor & Consulting Psychologist

Our faculty and staff provide lifelong support.

At Threshold, we're committed to the work that we do. We're passionate about supporting our students and alumni at every step on their way to independence. And with an extensive network of internship providers and employers, we're ready to help students pursue their career goals.

Michelle Goldberg smiling and looking directly at the camera
Graduate Resident Assistant

Michelle Goldberg

Michelle loves that she gets to plan Threshold activities. It’s her favorite part of her job. Sometimes she plans brunch followed by afternoon shopping in Harvard Square. And this past fall she took Threshold students apple picking. “It's wonderful to see students out of the residence halls connecting and socializing with their peers," says Michelle.

Professor Bill Mitchell Leading a Threshold Class surrounded by students with their arms outstretched
Professor & Consulting Psychologist

Dr. Bill Mitchell

For Dr. Bill Mitchell, Threshold is a place of transformation. For over 35 years, he’s seen students become confident, independent young adults. He knows scores of students who have graduated from the program and gone on to lead exceptional lives. And with such a strong Alumni Center, he gets to keep up with the growing number of graduates who come back year after year.

Read Full Bio
Plan a campus visit.
You have questions. We have answers. We can break down any questions you have about Threshold at one of our upcoming Open House events. Meet current students, talk with our staff, and see what life is truly like at Lesley University.

View Upcoming Open Houses


 

Ready to apply?
We make applying easy. Our step-by-step guide walks you through every part of the application. We explain the forms, tests, and recommendations needed in a clear and simple way.

View Our Application Guide

 

photo of chuk porkka and kyle dalrymple

Breaking news and making history

Kyle Dalrymple and Chuk Pörkka become the first Threshold students to work for the Lesley Public Post.
Read more about Kyle and Chuk
Fact
85%

That's how many Threshold alumni are currently employed.

Kristina Gillis rows in the Head of the Charles Regatta

Threshold student races in Head of the Charles

Kristina Gillis competed in the world's largest two-day rowing event, the 53rd Head Of The Charles Regatta.
Read more about Kristina Gillis.
four threshold students

Threshold Program

Lesley University's Threshold Program offers a supportive and immersive college experience for young adults with special needs and diverse learning challenges.
Learn more about our Threshold Program.
Fact
77%

of Threshold alumni are living independently from their families.

Contact the Threshold Program
Phone and Email
Location
  • Mailing address
    29 Everett Street
    Cambridge, MA 02138-2790
Social Media
29 Everett St, Cambridge, MA 02138
617.868.9600