Feature Stories

Heartspring obtains SEVP certification and offers new opportunity to help children with special needs around the world.

Heartspring is now able to accept applications from students from other countries. The certification from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP) grants Heartspring the opportunity to offer special education services to students who do not have access to similar opportunities in their own home countries. There are 150 million children with disabilities in the world and only 2% receive any services, according to best estimates.

With SEVP certification, Heartspring is approved to enroll students from other countries. The SEVP acts as the bridge for varied government organizations which have an interest in information on foreign students. They collect, maintain and provide information so that only legitimate foreign students or exchange visitors gain entry into the United States. This program also oversees all students entering the United States for educational purposes. Last year Heartspring provided evaluations to children from Albania and Russia, as well as short term educational services to a child from Bangladesh.

“Our SEVP certification strengthens our international focus and allows us to extend an opportunity to all children,” said Jerry Stewart, Heartspring Executive Vice President and COO. “Heartspring specialists and professional staff are excited to continue our efforts in the field of special education to meet the needs of more children.”

The Heartspring School currently has 54 students with multiple disabilities representing 15 states from across the country. Only a handful of special education schools across the nation are SEVP certified.