Beyond College

 

header-image-beyond-college

 

Congratulations! Getting through college is no small feat! If you aren’t feeling ready for life after college, it might help to get a head start by preparing for your next step in life. No matter where your IBD journey takes you, it's important to stay involved with your community and continue learning about your disease so that you can navigate work, start graduate school, travel, start a family, and accomplish anything else you may want to. 

IBD resources for young adults

We're here to help—explore the links below to find guidance on tackling adult life with IBD.

Stay involved with the IBD community!  

Here are some great ways for young professionals to stay connected with the IBD community:

Education

  • Continue learning about IBD by attending a Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation in-person or virtual event. Click here to find local education programs near you.    

Support and Networking

  • Join one of our Young Professionals Groups! Across the country, these groups of people in their 20s and 30s host fun events, like comedy nights, pub and dining crawls, and more. You can find one of these groups near you by visiting: www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/local-resources 

  • Are you seeking to connect with others like you and share stories and tips? You can find virtual and live support programs near you or start a new group in your community. Learn more here: www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/find-a-support-group 

  • If you are looking to connect with someone who can understand your disease journey, the Power of Two program might be right for you! Power of Two connects patients to peer supporters who can provide general encouragement, guidance, and share in their IBD experiences. Learn more here: www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/power-two 

  • Have you attended Camp Oasis, or are you interested in supporting kids and teens with IBD? Becoming a Camp Oasis volunteer might be right up your alley. Visit our website to learn more about volunteer opportunities at Camp Oasis, our summer camp for kids with Crohn’s and colitis: www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/camp 

Advocacy 

IBD Research 

  • You can influence IBD research through participating in online discussions and voting on research questions through IBD Partners, a patient-powered research network for individuals with IBD. Learn more at: www.ibdpartners.org 

  • If you have participated in a clinical trial, you can share your experience and encourage other IBD patients and caregivers to consider participating in clinical trial research by becoming a Clinical Trials Ambassador. Learn more here: www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/clinical-trials-community/get-involved 

We have so many ways for you to stay connected, meet others in the IBD community, and stay informed.  Learn more about how to volunteer with us here: www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/volunteer 

Other resources and opportunities: 

  • Join the ImproveCareNow community and help other young patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. ImproveCareNow is a Learning Health Community - patients, parents, clinicians, researchers, improvers & friends supporting each other and working together to improve care and health for and with young people living with IBD. Visit the ImproveCareNow website to learn more and sign up to stay connected with our community. Learn more here: www.improvecarenow.org/ 

  • The Crohn's and Colitis Young Adults Network is a nonprofit organization that facilitates an international fellowship program for adolescents and young adults with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The fellows produce content each month for the website, engage in speaking opportunities, attend a U.S-based IBD conference, hear from monthly speakers, and create other opportunities for outreach to the young adult IBD community. To learn more, please visit www.ccyanetwork.org