Inclusive Postsecondary Education Programs

What is IPSE?

Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) offers students with intellectual disability (ID) the opportunity to pursue higher education at a college or university. IPSE programs are typically non-degree certificate or credential programs designed to provide access to higher education for students with ID who do not meet traditional admission criteria. Through IPSE, students:

Take College Classes: Enroll in courses that align with their career goals and interests.

Gain Career Skills: Engage in internships, employment, and career-focused development activities.

Engage in Campus Life: Join clubs, attend sporting events, and participate in student organizations.

Why IPSE?

Graduating from an IPSE program is a proven pathway to improved career outcomes.

Employment Rate: National data indicate that IPSE graduates attain paid employment at a higher rate than adults with ID who did not attend IPSE.

Higher Earnings: Graduates typically earn higher starting wages and work more hours per week than non-graduates.

Independent Living: IPSE alumni are significantly more likely to live away from their family home and manage their own daily lives as compared to those who did not attend an IPSE program.

A diverse group of five young adults on a college campus.
Four students standing behind one seated student, and they
are all holding separate VCU branded t-shirts that each says
unlimited, unstoppable, and untraditional.

Three Ace-It students wearing their cap and gowns at a
graduation ceremony, including three Ace It faculty.
One graduate holds a sign that reads, I support IPSE
because Everyone deserves access to college.

Virginia Programs

There are 5 inclusive postsecondary education programs in Virginia, each offering unique programming. Check them out below!

Brightpoint and Northern Virginia Community College: College Steps
George Mason University: Mason LIFE
Longwood University: Longwood LIFE
Mountain Gateway Community College: ILEAP
Virginia Commonwealth University: ACE-IT in College

Virginia Resources

Want more information on IPSE and related resources? Visit our partners:

Department for Aging and Rehabilitation Services (DARS)

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)

Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)

Wilson Workforce and Rehabiliation Center (WWRC)

State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)

Level Up Virginia

SCHEV's Disabilities Access to Higher Education Advisory Committee

VA IPSE State Alliance

The Virginia Inclusive Postsecondary Education State Alliance formed during the 2023-2024 school year. This statewide initiative leverages expertise and resources, identifies best practices, advocates for policies, implements solutions, and raises awareness about inclusive postsecondary education opportunities for students with disabilities.

Members include representatives from IPSE program staff and students, families, K-12 educators, the Virginia Department of Education, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, GEAR UP, Level UP, and the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services.

Interested in joining the alliance or have general IPSE questions? Email us at vaipsealliance@gmail.com

Four young men stand outdoors in front of a modern building,
smiling and holding up their student ID cards toward the camera.

Scholarship and Financial Aid Information

College is expensive, but avenues such as scholarships and grants are available for students with ID! Reach out to the state alliance at vaipsealliance@gmail.com to learn more about the resources available to you.

Interested in enhancing college access by being a scholarship partner? Reach out to the state alliance to get connected.

National IPSE Resources: Think College

Selecting a college program is a big decision. Think College creates resources to help students and families ask the right questions to find the best fit.

College Search Tool

A searchable database of IPSE programs in the U.S.

Family Resources

Guides on how to prepare for college, financial aid, and transition planning.

Data and Research

The leading source for statistics on IPSE outcomes.

Regional Program Information: MIDA

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Alliance for Inclusive Higher Education is a part of a strong regional network supporting inclusive education. MIDA connects colleges and universities across the Mid-Atlantic region to share best practices and resources.

Collaboration: Member programs meet regularly to solve common challenges and improve student support.

Student Connection: Provides opportunities for students from different universities to connect and network.

Resource Hub: Serves as a central point for families in the region to find programs near them.

External Links: The links on this page lead to third-party sites. We cannot guarantee the accessibility of external content.