Transition Year

The mission of the HALO Transition Year Pathway is to support students in making a successful transition to college or the workforce by helping them explore the question “What’s Next?” Through a yearlong experience that blends coursework, hands-on activities, and real-world learning, students identify future goals and develop personalized action plans. With collaboration from instructors, peers, and family, the program builds confidence, direction and readiness for the next stage of adult life whether continuing towards a college education or entering the workforce.

Transition Year Course Sequence

Students in the HALO Transition Year take two classes each semester, meeting two days per week. Courses are designed to strengthen social-emotional skills, build confidence, and prepare students for college, the workforce, and independent adulthood.

Course Rotation

Fall Courses

Social-Emotional Development
Transition to College or Workforce

Spring Courses

Success Education: Life Success (3-credit course)
Professionalism

Additional Course Opportunities

Students interested in taking additional credit-bearing or inclusive audited courses based on career goals or personal interests may work with HALO to explore options and create a plan that supports their individual pathway.

Is the HALO Transition Year Right for Me?

The HALO Transition Year is designed for students who are ready to build on their strengths, develop greater independence, and prepare for college, employment, or life beyond high school in a supportive, structured environment. While meeting the criteria below does not guarantee admission, these guidelines can help determine whether the program may be a good fit.

You may be a strong fit for the HALO Transition Year if you:

Have a history of receiving special education services.
Demonstrate reading, math, and written language skills at approximately a third-grade level or above.
- Some isolated skill gaps may be acceptable depending on overall abilities.
Are able to actively participate in classes by showing initiative, communicating clearly, and advocating for your needs.
Show sufficient emotional stability to adjust to the academic, social, and independent components of the program.
Have a desire to take credit-bearing coursework or pursue more competitive employment opportunities.

How do I apply for the HALO Transition Year?

Schedule a Campus Visit

Get an inside view of HALO: explore campus, stop by a class, talk with students, and learn about our program and application process, all in one welcoming visit.

The best way to learn about HALO is to schedule a campus visit for you, the student, and at least one parent or adult supporter. A campus visit gives you a clear, firsthand look at what life at Heartland is like and helps you imagine your next steps as a HALO student.

During your visit, you will:

Learn what it is like to be a Heartland student and get a feel for daily life in the HALO program.
Receive detailed information about our programs, including both the 2-Year Program and the Transition Year.
Hear about the application process for the 2026–2027 school year, including timelines and what to expect.
Tour the Heartland campus, exploring key spaces and resources available to HALO students.
Visit a HALO class and talk with some of our current students.
Ask questions so you can make informed decisions about your next steps.

Application Materials

Application materials for the 2026–2027 academic year will be available beginning in March 2026. After completing a campus visit, students may begin the application process by submitting all required components of the HALO Application Packet.

Application Packet Includes:

Required for All Applicants

HALO Application
Official High School Transcripts (if not already on file)
Junior-Year IEP (if not already on file)
One or Two HALO Recommendation Forms (depends on the student's application status)
Official College Transcripts (if applicable)

Transition Year Applicants Only

Student Interest Questionnaire
Parent/Guardian Questionnaire

Submitting Your Materials

The HALO application and recommendation forms are submitted automatically when completed online. All additional materials may be emailed to halo@heartland.edu or dropped off at the HALO offices.

Important Deadlines & Admission Details

All materials must be submitted by July 6, 2026.
After all materials are received, the HALO team will schedule an interview to ensure the program is a good match for the student's needs and goals.
Submitting the application does not guarantee admission.
Admission decisions are made annually prior to the Fall semester. Students are not admitted mid-year.

Contact Us

Location

1500 W. Raab Road
Normal, IL 61761
Email: halo@heartland.edu
Phone: 309-268-8255

Staff

Karin Orwig

Coordinator, HALO

Karin.Orwig@heartland.edu

Jill Warren

Coordinator, SAAS, HALO

Jill.Warren@heartland.edu

Ashley Rogucki

Program Facilitator, HALO

Ashley.Rogucki@heartland.edu

Social Media

HALO Facebook Page