Ten years in, BUILD continues helping students grow in confidence and independence

Anna Krahn BUILD'26 enrolled in the BUILD program because she wanted to become more independent and make new friends. Sarah Graven BUILD’26 hoped to build confidence. Brynn Aguirre BUILD’26 was looking for a college experience with real opportunities for students like her.

Since 2015, Bethel’s BUILD program has provided such opportunities to more than 160 students with intellectual disabilities through a two-year, residential college experience. As the first and only residential Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program at a four-year university in the state, BUILD offers students a chance to grow more independent and develop in academics, career skills, faith, and more.

When BUILD celebrated its 10-year anniversary, alumni were able to take photos at a photo booth, with one sign reading, “I AM A COLLEGE GRADUATE!” For many families, that captures what BUILD is all about: opportunity, transformation, and a future full of possibility.

Courses where students prepare for life and pursue their interests

Like all college students, students in BUILD courses develop practical skills, deepen their confidence, and prepare for life beyond college. Students earn a Certificate in Applied Studies by completing core classes focused on faith, independent living, and career readiness—equipping them with tools to manage a household, thrive in the workplace, and grow in maturity. 

Beyond core courses, students choose from more than 30 integrated electives, taking classes like psychology, art, communication, and physical education alongside traditional undergraduate peers. Associate Director for BUILD, Lisa Bjork says the range of options allows each student to explore what excites them—and for many, these classes are a highlight. To Bjork, students like Maggie Allen BUILD’24 love getting to learn in unique courses, and Bjork remembers Maggie often returning from psychology classes eager to share what she had just learned.

Living out their lessons

As students move away from home and fully engage in college life, they live on campus in Bethel’s welcoming, Christ-centered community. This is one of the most transformative parts of the BUILD experience. 

Throughout their two years, students in BUILD live alongside traditional undergraduates in Bethel’s residence halls. Housing mentors—Bethel students trained to support their peers—provide guidance in everyday life, while professional staff are available 24/7 through an on-call support system.

Life on campus also provides numerous opportunities for students to develop their skills and grow in independence. The residential model is intentionally structured to foster growth. First-year students in the BUILD program live in traditional freshman residence halls with another student in the program as their roommate. They are integrated across floors with their non-BUILD peers, and peer mentors live nearby to offer support as needed.

In their second year, students move into on-campus apartments. With their own kitchens and shared living spaces, they take on new responsibilities—cooking meals, cleaning, and managing daily routines that prepare them for life after college.

Often, students express trepidation as they near graduation and look forward to living on their own. But Bjork, who teaches Independent Living, reminds students they’re already living independently on campus. “Aren't you living in an apartment now?” she asks them. “How many of you have parents that are living in your apartment?” Nobody raises their hands.

Gaining experience and building confidence

All students in BUILD complete internships during both years of the program. Sarah worked with Facilities Management. Brynn served as a campus tour guide and later interned with Finley’s, a local dog treat company. Jack Anderson BUILD’26 gained hands-on experience with food prep at Dunn Brothers Coffee, and Zach Finlayson BUILD’26 supported Bethel Athletics through game management. 

Internships like these provide valuable opportunities for students to apply what they’re learning, gain confidence, grow more independent, and develop career readiness. Students find opportunities through a network of more than 10 on-campus offices, while more than 20 local businesses and organizations also host interns, according to BUILD Internship Supervisor Jaran Roste '21, GS'25. Placements are tailored to students’ interests, and support is gradually reduced as they grow. “We’re trying to get them to grow in their independence—to slowly withdraw supports to the point where the student is doing that independently,” Roste says.

And those internships often lead to jobs. Roste recalls how Blake Schumacher BUILD’25 transitioned from driving a Bethel shuttle to delivering with DoorDash. “It’s so cool to see him just be able to do that independently, and that started with the work we did here,” Roste says.

Support every step of the way

From the moment they arrive on campus, students in BUILD are surrounded by a network of support—from peer mentors and professional staff to faculty and fellow students. Since the program began, more than 1,000 traditional Bethel students have served as peer mentors, helping foster the inclusive, Christ-centered community that defines the BUILD experience.

Each year, students serve as academic, housing, and internship mentors—walking alongside students in BUILD as they take classes, live in residence halls, and experience the workplace. Academic mentors attend classes, lead weekly study groups, and support learning. Housing mentors live alongside students and help guide independent living. Internship mentors grow with students over time. “It’s just an attitude of living like Jesus did and loving those around them that I think rubs off on mentors,” says Internship Supervisor Jaran Roste '21, GS'25. “The joy that our students bring to everyday life is contagious.” Roste first got involved with BUILD as a mentor—and now hires them.

Support goes even further. Students can always reach staff through the BUILD on-call phone. Full-time staff provide guidance in all areas of student life—and many Bethel students offer support even when they’re not in official roles.

Building friendships and finding community

Kallie Fahs BUILD’26, like many others, has a simple message for students considering or starting the program: get involved. “I promise you won’t regret it,” she says. It’s the best way to forge connections and experience all Bethel has to offer. Students are immersed in the Bethel community and find numerous opportunities to forge lasting relationships across campus. These relationships grow in everyday moments—walking to class, eating in the Dining Center, attending Chapel, and more.

Students in BUILD also get involved in a wide range of activities and leadership opportunities, building friendships, strengthening faith, and finding their place in the Bethel community.

Here are just a few ways students in BUILD get involved:

• Music: Many students perform in Bethel’s vocal and instrumental ensembles or take private lessons. Kallie plays flute in the Wind Symphony, participates in a Friday morning Bible study. 
• Sports and athletics: From intramurals to NCAA-level participation, students in BUILD stay active through sports. Many join unified sports—Bethel’s inclusive athletics clubs—or regularly participate in bowling, broomball, and basketball alongside traditional undergrads. Kallie especially enjoyed powder-puff football during Homecoming. Some students also compete in NCAA athletics, and in 2022, Bethel helped change DIII rules to allow CTP student participation nationally. Many BUILD students also love cheering on Royals teams at sporting events.
• Faith and spiritual growth: Students grow spiritually through Chapel and Vespers, community groups, Bible studies, and more. Most first-year students join Shift, a Wednesday night Bible study, and students also participate in groups on Fridays. 
• Missions and service: Through Bethel’s Solidarity Mission Partnerships (SMP), students participate in both domestic and international mission trips. These experiences offer meaningful opportunities to serve and grow. Belinda Morales Parra BUILD’26 and Katie Langfeldt BUILD’26 helped with hurricane relief in North Carolina. Katie loved distributing food to people impacted and worshipping and praying for storm victims, and Belinda loved learning other people’s stories. She and Katie both say they’d recommend the experience. “It is a great learning opportunity,” Katie said. 
• Welcoming others: Students also serve as tour guides for students considering BUILD or volunteer on the Welcome Week team. Fahs was selected to be a student greeter during Welcome Week, which made both excited and nervous. “I found that I enjoyed being able to talk and get to know the students and was told by others that I was doing a great job and was the perfect person for that role,” she said.

After BUILD: independence, employment, and lasting community

After their time in the program, alumni from BUILD are finding success. According to program data,  on average 84% are employed within the first few months after graduating, far outpacing the national average of around 20% for adults with intellectual disabilities. And over half of recent alumni live independently, which is also above national averages.

And the success is evident in the stories of graduates after BUILD. Many move into jobs in their communities, live independently, and stay connected through the BUILD Alumni Buddies group. As they take the next steps in their lives, they carry the skills, confidence, and relationships they built at Bethel. “It is so fun to see the gifts and passions of each graduate, and see how they use their God-given strengths! We've seen students do big things, and I know there will be more to come!” says Office and Admissions Coordinator Kayla Hokanson ’22.

BUILD graduate highlights

Abigail Cushing BUILD’17 was a member of the first cohort and served on the BUILD Advisory Committee. After interning at Bethel’s Dining Center, she landed her dream job at Panera and continues to stay involved through alumni buddy events.

Mikayla Holmgren BUILD’18 received the Spirit of Miss USA and Director’s Award as the first woman with Down syndrome to compete in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant. She is a Best Buddies Ambassador, a speaker at the United Nations, and a 2026 Special Olympics USA Games athlete.

Tyler Sarff BUILD’19 helped launch Bethel’s Unified Sports Club, was selected for the Minnesota United FC Unified Soccer Team, and is a 2026 Special Olympics USA Games softball athlete.

Daniel Cline BUILD’19 works at Bethel’s Monson Dining Center with Sodexo and lives independently with roommates in a tiny home community. As a student, he created “The Daniel,” a pasta dish with protein, vegetables, and a blend of Alfredo and cheese sauces. His story is featured in the book Special: The Story of the Unsinkable Daniel Cline, written by his mother.

Kirsta Graf BUILD’20 co-hosts the “Tuesdays with Kirsta” video series with Jack’s Basket and helps emcee their annual gala. She also works at Bethel’s Dining Center and attends alumni events alongside her boyfriend, Daniel Cline.

David Kaetterhenry BUILD’20 created the BUILD a Meal YouTube channel during his time at Bethel and now co-owns The Greater Tater food truck.

Alicia “Lucy” Haugland BUILD’21 competed in rhythmic gymnastics at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games and was featured on ESPN. She was involved in Unified Sports, Dance Team, the Catholic Club, and the Clarion student newspaper. She now works at Lunds & Byerlys and lives independently.

Dylan Delaske BUILD’22 helped BUILD gain NCAA DIII athletics access for all CTP students through his advocacy as a student-athlete. He now drives a shuttle at a Minnesota private school and is preparing to live independently.

Jenna Perkins BUILD’25 served as an Admissions Guest Center tour guide, unofficial cheer captain, and Unified Sports leader. She participated in the first international mission trip that included students in BUILD and is a 2026 Special Olympics USA Games honorary co-chair.