About Us
Getting to College is a unique set of training, support, and assistance programs designed to help students who want to pursue higher education to reach their life or employment goals. The various programs include tailored workshops, expert consulting, and campus experiences to empower students and families to navigate the journey to higher education.
Our interactive and immersive programs explore how to access and be successful in all types of higher education options including certificate programs, community college, and two-year and four-year degree programs. These post-secondary options can significantly help a person grow and mature while providing the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to secure better-paying jobs, increase employability, and pursue career advancement opportunities.
Our Mission
Getting to College assists and prepares students to explore postsecondary options to achieve their employment and career goals.
Our Vision
We imagine a world where every student values continuing their education after high school and chooses the path that fits their personal and career goals.
Our Values
Your Future is Full of Possibilities! The road to college is filled with excitement, dreams, and limitless potential.
Employment should be more than just a job! It’s an opportunity for independence, purpose, and personal growth. By championing self-determination, expanding access to meaningful career opportunities, and ensuring that the most successful supports are in place, we empower students to build fulfilling futures where they can thrive on their own terms.
At Getting to College, we believe that:
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Everyone, including those who have experienced challenges in the high school environment or learn differently, deserves the opportunity to explore higher education and build a future that increases their career opportunities and inspires them.
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Everyone has the right and ability to build a fulfilling career that fosters growth, independence, and self-determination. Everyone also deserves the opportunity to explore careers that challenge them and uncover hidden strengths. Your first job should be a stepping stone, not a final destination.
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Everyone deserves a voice in shaping their future and the freedom to choose a career path that aligns with their strengths, interests, and aspirations.
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Everyone deserves the opportunity to be laser-focused on accessing college and achieving their academic and career goals. GTC will not teach everyday life skills like cooking or eating but will ensure every student knows where to find the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive in higher education.
By removing barriers and providing clear pathways, we empower students to navigate college with confidence and independence.
Our Team
Chris Masey is the Disability Higher Education Program Administrator at Getting to College. Chris has a Master’s degree in Business Administration from St. Edward’s University in Texas, and has dedicated over twenty years of his career to disability policy and advocacy. Chris has had the privilege of working with various local, statewide, and national disability nonprofits, both as a parent and a self-advocate. Additionally, he has led numerous training initiatives for self-advocates to promote independence and self-determination.
Chris brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the program, having supported the creation of multiple inclusive higher education programs in Texas. He is also a parent of two teenagers with disabilities; one is in high school in the La Crosse area and the other is a sophomore at the University of Vermont. As a first-generation college student, Chris understands the transformative power of higher education and its role in equipping individuals to pursue careers in areas that they are passionate about and that provide meaningful and competitive employment.
Deeply committed to public service, Chris is actively involved in advocating for the Autism and Down syndrome communities. In 2023, Chris and his family relocated to Wisconsin after spending many years exploring the North Woods and the Driftless region with his extended family.