This week, our director, Rachel Heinz shares insight on 4 Things to Consider when starting an inclusive post secondary program. According to ThinkCollege.net, there are currently over 270 programs for students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) across the country – with new programs starting each year. Inclusive post secondary programs have many benefits for students, campus’ and communities.
4 Things to Consider:
- Community Partnerships
Consider meeting with leaders in your community to discuss the potential for building an inclusive post secondary program. Here are a few ideas:
- Local school system administrators
- SB40 Boards in your state
- University Leaders
- Non-profit and community leaders who have a special interest in helping those with IDD
- State Legislators
- Fundraising
Bear POWER and other similar programs, typically require start-up funding as they do not receive funding from the college/university and then take on a self-sustaining model as students in the program will pay a program fee. When doing initial start-up funding, a few things to consider doing:
- Crowdfunding Campaign – utilize social media outlets and build a donor contact list of those in the community who have an interest in your mission.
- Grants – look at local and national grant opportunities for inclusive higher education initiatives.
- Private Donors – meet with community members and/or business owners who might have interest in partnering with your program and share with them the mission, vision and financial needs before your program can start.
- Resources
Utilize existing resources that can help you build your program model. Here are a few that the Bear POWER team has utilized:
- ThinkCollege.net – wonderful resource for new and existing programs
- Local/Surrounding SB40 Boards in your state
- Inclusion-MIPSA.org – MIPSA – Midwest Inclusive Post Secondary Alliance (or a similar regional alliance in your area of the country)
- Non – profits in your area that specialize in helping those with IDD
- Reach out to other existing inclusive post secondary programs in your area who can share resources with you
- Building Awareness
Find ways to share your mission:
- Social Media page – post 3-5 times per week about your program development, community initiatives, and share things related to your mission.
- Blog – start a program blog through your university and post weekly or bi-weekly.
- Get out in the community – meet with prospective students, parents, awareness groups.