Huskies BELONG Student Success Stories
For the fourth consecutive year, NIU STEAM is partnering with faculty and students in the NIU Department of Rehabilitation Counseling to offer Huskies BELONG, a comprehensive college-prep program for high school students with disabilities. Each year, the program kicks off with a week-long residential camp on NIU’s DeKalb campus. Then, camp counselors follow up with college-application support throughout the year.
Here are some of the many success stories from students who have participated!
Reyna: Finding Strengths and Direction Before College
Before enrolling in Huskies BELONG, Reyna was a high school senior thinking ahead about college and her future. She chose the program “in preparation for college, to help make college decisions” and to better understand her own strengths.
Through Huskies BELONG, Reyna says she gained clarity and confidence in what she does well. “I am grateful to have been able to explore my strengths through this program. I have learned that I am good at science and analysis.”
The program’s career exploration and preparation activities also helped her identify areas for growth. “The evaluations and career prep have helped me realize my strengths and some weaknesses that I need to work on, like public speaking, to better prepare for my future.”
Huskies BELONG also expanded Reyna’s view of possible career paths. “The program helped me to explore other areas of STEM careers. I really liked the camp.”
Today, Reyna is already gaining hands-on experience as a part-time home care aide to a disabled veteran and is working toward her CNA certification. Looking ahead, she plans to attend a four-year university in Illinois and pursue a degree in nursing.
For Reyna, Huskies BELONG provided space to explore, reflect, and plan—helping her move into college with a clearer sense of direction and confidence in her abilities.
Harry: Learning to Live on Campus—and Prove He Could Do It
Harry entered Huskies BELONG right after high school with a clear personal goal: to show himself and his family that he could handle college life on his own. “I wanted to prove I can be self-sufficient,” he says, adding that he is interested in pursuing a future in STEAM.
For Harry, the most meaningful parts of the program weren’t just academic. They were about learning how to live independently in a college environment. “I learned how to live with a roommate and how to talk to professors,” he explains.
That day-to-day experience made college feel real, and achievable. “I was able to show my parents that I was able to be self-sufficient and survive in a college setting on my own. I was able to experience what life will be like in college.”
Just as importantly, Harry says Huskies BELONG helped him feel at home on campus.
“I felt very comfortable on campus and can see myself at NIU.”
Beyond independence, the program also offered chances to explore interests and build community. “You will make friends and memories in the program. You will learn from lots of different fields – from STEAM programming to cooking to horseback riding.”
Looking ahead, Harry plans to attend college and pursue mechanical engineering. For him, Huskies BELONG wasn’t just preparation, it was proof that college life is something he can successfully navigate on his own.
Howie: Becoming More Comfortable With the Idea of College
Howard “Howie” Tisdale joined Huskies BELONG as he was entering his senior year of high school. The program was recommended by his high school counselor, and after visiting the website, Howie and his family felt it sounded like a good fit.
One aspect of the program Howie appreciated was the opportunity to spend time with other students with neurodivergent backgrounds in a college setting. Participating in campus activities helped him better understand what college life might be like.
Reflecting on his experience, Howie shared that the program changed how he feels about college. “It made me less afraid of college. The program let me see that others like me can succeed in college.”
After completing Huskies BELONG, Howie plans to continue his education at Illinois Central College to complete prerequisite coursework before transferring to Bradley University or Northern Illinois University. He is interested in pursuing studies in technology as well as orchestral music.
For Howie, Huskies BELONG provided a chance to experience college firsthand and to think more clearly about his next steps after high school.
Katelyn: Discovering Interests Through Hands-On College Experiences
Katelyn joined Huskies BELONG while finishing her junior year of high school. Before the program, she had never spent time on a college campus or participated in a residential college experience.
During Huskies BELONG, Katelyn explored campus spaces, academic settings and extracurricular activities. “I loved all things tech,” she shared, adding that it was helpful to see “all of the extracurricular things you can do.”
The program gave her opportunities to try new experiences and learn what different college environments feel like. “The program made me step outside of my comfort zone and try new things. I had never been to a campus, and it was so much fun.”
Katelyn also valued learning alongside other students and seeing how technology is used in classrooms and activities. “It was nice to see all of the technology in the classrooms.”
Reflecting on the experience, she said, “This program was so much more than I expected.”
After participating in Huskies BELONG, Katelyn is planning to enroll in college and is interested in future paths that involve technology and helping others, including assistive technology and working with individuals with special needs.
Marko: Learning What College Responsibility Looks Like
Marko joined Huskies BELONG as a junior in high school. He was interested in seeing what college education looks like up close and experiencing time away from home with more responsibility for himself.
During the program, Marko practiced managing daily routines that are part of college life. This included planning his schedule, keeping up with studies and handling everyday responsibilities. According to his family, the experience helped him better understand what is expected of college students.
Reflecting on the program, Marko shared that it gave him clarity about what lies ahead. “Now I know what to expect and what to be ready for, and that’s awesome.”
He also valued working with others in a shared environment. “I understand that I’m capable of productively working in a team.”
Marko appreciated the continued guidance from the Huskies BELONG staff as he thinks about his next steps after high school. He plans to begin at a community college in a computer science or IT program, with the goal of later transferring to a four-year institution.
When asked what he would say to students considering the program, Marko was clear: “If there’s a chance to join—don’t miss it!”
Tilman: Connecting Interests to Real College Experiences
Tilman joined Huskies BELONG as he was entering his senior year of high school, hoping to better understand college and the resources available to students.
During the program, Tilman had opportunities to explore academic interests through hands-on activities and direct interaction with instructors. One highlight for him was learning more about finance by talking with a faculty member about his degree goals. He also participated in technology-focused activities that introduced him to tools used in college learning environments, including working with a 3D printer – an experience he later continued on his own after the program.
Alongside these activities, Tilman learned more about how college expectations differ from high school, including how students communicate their needs and access support services. He also valued the chance to socialize and work with other students and staff during the overnight program.
After completing Huskies BELONG, Tilman plans to begin college at Kishwaukee College and later transfer to Northern Illinois University, where he intends to pursue a B.S. in Finance.
Reflecting on the experience, Tilman shared that the program helped him prepare for college in practical ways and explore his interests through real activities rather than descriptions alone. “I would recommend this program to anyone considering college to help them be successful.”
Linus: Thinking About Majors, Jobs and College Life for the First Time
Linus participated in Huskies BELONG as a rising high school senior. He joined the program to learn more about what college is like, including attending classes, spending time in a residence hall and understanding daily college routines.
For Linus, the program was the first time he was asked to seriously think about what he might want to study in college and how that connects to future work. Huskies BELONG provided structured opportunities to explore majors and practice job-related skills, including interviewing.
One part of the experience that stood out was meeting other students with similar backgrounds and spending time together in a group setting. It was Linus’s first opportunity to experience college life alongside peers in this way.
Reflecting on the program, Linus shared, “It was able to give me some more experience with college life, which will help me better adjust to college.”
Looking ahead, Linus plans to attend college in Fall 2026, with hopes of enrolling at Northern Illinois University. While he has not yet decided on a major, the program helped him begin thinking about possible directions and next steps.
For students considering Huskies BELONG, Linus offered simple advice: “Go into it with an open mind and be open to new experiences.”
