Utah Valley University was awarded a five-year, $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to create a postsecondary education program for Utahns with intellectual disabilities, patterned after Utah State University’s successful “Aggies Elevated” program.

UVU’s program will be housed in the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism and will begin in the 2021 summer semester with an initial cohort of 5 – 7 students. Dr. Jane Carlson, director of the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism at UVU, will serve as the principal investigator and Dr. Bob Morgan, professor in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation at USU will serve as the co-principal investigator.

Part of the grant’s purpose is to establish a network of centers across the state called the Utah Higher Education Inclusion Alliance that will provide options for individuals with intellectual disabilities to pursue postsecondary education. The alliance will use a portion of the grant to establish a similar program at USU’s Eastern Campus in Price, Utah.

Aggies Elevated is a federally designated Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) that offers a two-year certificate in integrated college and community studies for young adults with limited intellectual functioning. As part of the process, UVU will apply to become a CTP.

“It is a challenge for those with intellectual disabilities to advance and find employment because there are so few opportunities to achieve a meaningful credential,” said Jane Carlson, director of the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism. “With this program, we can assist individuals in achieving their adult goals in an inclusive environment that will lead to an industry-recognized credential. It will also allow UVU to build on its value of providing exceptional care and education to students and community members.”

Those interested in learning more about the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism should visit the center’s website.

Information about the Aggies Elevated program can be found on the program’s website.