Elevate, NC State’s Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Program, Now Accepting Applications

Elevate, NC State’s new Inclusive Post-secondary Education Program, has begun accepting applications for its first class or students, who will enroll in spring 2025.

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 will offer educational credentials, such as certificates. The program focuses on five pillars of success: academics, employment, personal development, independent living and social engagement. 

“Elevate is a new opportunity for young adults with IDD to come to college, continue to grow intellectually, and explore and find careers that align with their passions,” said Elevate Program Director Tamira White. ”They will have access to the rich resources at NC State and in the surrounding communities. We will use cutting-edge technology to provide each Elevate student an opportunity to grow academically and socially, and prepare them to launch their successful careers.”

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. 

“A great candidate for Elevate is a young person who is motivated to come to college to learn and grow and who is highly motivated to work,” White said. “Elevate is going to be a transformational experience related to academics, employment and connections to the community.”

Students who join the spring 2025 Elevate cohort must be commuter students, while residential options will open for the fall 2025 semester.