VAST LIFE, offered through Penn GSE, is an innovative program designed for students ages 14–21.
The program provides personalized community-based experiences, transitional assessments, targeted lessons, and cultural events throughout Philadelphia. Graduate students pursuing a Master of Science in Education and Special Education Certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania curate these opportunities, tailoring them to the unique needs and interests of each participant.
All fees and food for the sessions are provided at no cost to families.
Criteria for Gaining Admission into VAST LIFE
- Must be 14–22 years of age at the time of enrollment
- Must be eligible for K–12 public schooling through the student’s 22nd birthday (18–22-year-old programming)
- Must be able to attend the Meet and Greet and all five sessions, including “snow date”
Program Highlights
- VAST LIFE participants will enjoy Penn's historic campus and the city of Philadelphia while working on community & transition skills.
- Participants will be selected to engage in various cultural and community experiences designed to educate and assess students with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the areas of social, life, vocational and transitional skills.
- Participants will receive one to one guidance and small group learning as they are provided with enriching opportunities on Penn's campus and the city as a whole.
- Participants will develop a greater understanding of:
- transportation
- awareness of skills required in leisure settings such as museums, theaters & social events
- functional math skills
- various types of jobs in our city and on a college campus
- pedestrian safety
How to Apply
Please fill out the four documents linked below and email all completed forms to Dr. Heather Hopkins at hopkinsh@gse.upenn.edu.
- Application for the 2025/2026 VAST LIFE Season
- One of the following photo release forms:
- GSE Minor Photo Release (participants under 18 years of age)
OR - GSE Adult Photo Release (participants aged 18 and older)
- GSE Minor Photo Release (participants under 18 years of age)
- VAST LIFE Release Waiver I
- VAST LIFE Release Waiver II
Program Schedule
| Date/Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 12/3/25: 5:30PM–7:30PM | Meet & Greet (Parents/guardians attend entire session with their child) |
| 1/24/26: 10:00AM–4:00PM | Session #1 |
| 2/21/26: 10:00AM–12:30PM | Session #2 |
| 3/21/26: 10:00AM–4:00PM | Session #3 |
| 4/11/26: 10:00AM–4:00PM | Session #4 |
| 5/2/26: 10:00AM–4:00PM | Session #5 (Parents/guardians attend beginning at 2:00PM for our final family presentation.) |
| *4/25/26 | Snow date makeup (if needed) |
Any questions?
Please send all questions and completed applications to Dr. Heather Hopkins. Applications will be considered for admittance on a first come first serve basis, as long as qualifications are met.