My Possibilities University in Plano Announced

New campus to be the first of its kind in the U.S.

Plano-based My Possibilities is expanding — 20 acres to be exact. My Possibilities is the first full day, year-round continuing education program in Collin County aimed to give adults with cognitive disabilities the chance at a higher education.

The non-profit organization purchased land at the northeast intersection of Mapleshade and President George Bush Tollway in Plano to create MP University, a community education center that plans to support the higher education and integration of people with disabilities into the community.

“We will teach the community, teach HR professionals what it means to have staff members with Asperger’s – same goes for managing partners, teachers, educators, therapists, etc.,” My Possibilities Executive Director Michael Thomas said. “Here’s the bigger picture: We hope the campus serves as a bridge for the community to be comfortable embracing people with disabilities.”

Eight years ago My Possibilities started with 12 HIPsters (Hugely Important People) but has grown exponentially to 400 students served every week. According to the organization, there is a high demand for these services, and MP University will help reach the North Texas special needs individuals who will benefit from these advanced educational opportunities the most.

Michael remarked that there’s nowhere else like MP University in the U.S. Other programs are private pay and can be quite expensive. At its max capacity this educational environment, which is modeled after a college campus, will serve close to 1,600 adults with special needs per week. However, the facility won’t be exactly like nationally accredited college programs.

“We will have to educate the community on what that paper means – that there’s real, high-level training going on at this campus,” Michael said. “There will be certificate programs and a number of learning paths the students can walk through. They may move on to other training after they reach a certain level. It’s lifelong learning for these guys. Our adults want to live, work and play in the community.”

Anyone interested in donating toward the capital campaign effort may email campaign@mptx.org or contact Executive Director Michael Thomas at 469-241-9100.