Seven students make up the inaugural cohort of Elevate, NC State University’s new inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) program, and begin classes on Jan. 6, 2025, when NC State’s spring 2025 semester starts:
- Michael Bailey of Apex
- James Cunas of Clayton
- Sarah Gatewood of Raleigh
- Dreyahna Grunow of Raleigh
- Dimas Lopez de Jesus of Apex
- Molly Minnick of Raleigh
- Alyssa Rea of Raleigh
Administratively housed in the College of Education, Elevate is a university-wide initiative designed for North Carolina residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and offers a four-year certificate. The program focuses on five pillars of success: academics, employment, personal development, independent living and social engagement.
“We are thrilled to welcome our inaugural cohort to NC State and excited to embark on this journey together. Through Elevate, we will empower each student to reach their full potential, learn, and grow,” said Tamira White, Ph.D., program manager of Elevate.
With Elevate being at NC State, students will have the opportunity to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) fields and will have access to resources on campus and in surrounding communities. “We will provide students part of Elevate an opportunity to grow academically and socially, and prepare them to launch their successful careers,” White said.
To be eligible for enrollment in Elevate, students must be legal residents of North Carolina who are at least 18 years of age, identified with an intellectual disability and are currently or have previously been eligible for special education services through an individualized education program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act.
Students who join Elevate in the spring 2025 semester are commuter students, while residential options will open for the fall 2025 semester. Applications for the fall 2025 open early in 2025.
Elevate helps address a statewide gap in opportunities available for students with IDD to pursue higher education. In addition to students with IDD enrolled at NC State, there are students with IDD enrolled in several community college programs across the state and at three public universities: Appalachian State University (Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program), UNC-Greensboro (Integrative Community Studies) and Western Carolina University.
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