Elevate is an Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Program (IPSE) that provides a person-centered campus experience for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) opportunities to ‘think and do’ in order to enrich academic knowledge, transform career and occupational skills, and advance personal and social development.
General Info
Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Program (IPSE)
4-year non-degree program for students with IDD
Scholarships offered to supplement tuition
Will foster self-determination, dignity of experience, and supported decision-making
Be a legal resident of the state of North Carolina
Be at least 18 years of age at the time of admission
Currently or have been eligible for Special Education services and entitled to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004.
Must be identified with an Intellectual Disability
Remain unsupervised for long periods of time, including between classes and throughout the night (if residential).
Able to make informed and age appropriate decisions regarding personal safety and security.
Independently self-manage their personal care including hygiene, grooming, medications and eating.
Demonstrate functional academic skills (reading, writing, and math) necessary to successfully complete everyday tasks associated with life skills (such as managing personal finances (making payments) and navigational skills (reading street signs), etc.
Maintain motivation to work diligently toward career goals and demonstrate adaptability to change.
Interested students who meet the stated eligibility criteria must submit an online application
Based on review of the application and additional submitted materials, a select number of applicants will be invited for an on-campus interview
All eligible applicants who have completed the entire admissions process will be discussed by an admissions committee who will have the final decisionin recommending the names of the students to be admitted into the program.
Six students will be admitted in Spring 2025. The program will launch as a commuter only program. Residential options will be available in Fall 2025.
*Applications for Spring 2025 are now closed. Check back early 2025 to apply for Fall 2025.
Pillars of Success
Academics
Elevate students will take ~12-15 credit hours per semester including a combination of NC State and program specific courses. Academic coaching will be offered to help students succeed and get the most out of their classes.
Employment
Elevate students will have access to employment focused classes and interest based internships throughout their 4 years. Each student will have an employment coach to guide and assist them in learning job specific skills.
Independent Living
Elevate students will take independent living skills classes and participate in workshops focusing on everything from healthy eating to cleaning to relationships. Beginning Fall 2025, students will have the option to live on campus in residence halls and work with residential coaches to assist in skill building.
Social Engagement
Elevate students will be able to participate in all supports, organizations, and events offered on NC State’s campus including sport teams, theater, and Greek Life. They will also have access to social coaches who will be available to accompany students to these events.
Personal Development
In every aspect of their day, Elevate students will be encouraged to be self-advocates and practice self-determination. All courses, curriculum, social events, and employment will be individualized based on each individual student’s wants and needs using the help of personal development coaches and the Charting the LifeCourse Framework as a guide.
“Through Elevate, we’ll expand our service to a new group of students and families and create additional pathways for them to earn their academic credentials, develop skills and gain experiences that will prepare them for lifelong success.”
Paola Sztajn and Doneka Scott
Educational Opportunities Program Planning Committee Co-chairs
