Elevate
NC State's Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Program
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
For more information about IPSE Programs, visit https://thinkcollege.net/
Eligibility Criteria
- 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
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.