Utah Valley University’s Wolverines Elevated program has been awarded a $2.5 million, five-year federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education under the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students With Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) initiative.
Utah Valley University’s Wolverines Elevated program has been awarded a $2.5 million, five-year federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education under the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students With Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) initiative.
The grant will significantly expand UVU’s ability to support students with intellectual disabilities as they pursue inclusive higher education and career pathways. It will also strengthen partnerships across the state, including continued collaboration with Utah State University’s Aggies Elevated program in Price, to ensure that more students in Utah have access to transformative postsecondary experiences.
Launched in 2020 through UVU’s Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism (MNCA), Wolverines Elevated provides an inclusive, on-campus college experience designed to help students with intellectual disabilities gain the academic, social, and independent living skills needed for meaningful employment and adult life.
“This grant is an incredible opportunity to serve more students and build the capacity of our program,” said Laurie Bowen Leibowitz, senior director of the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism. “Everyone deserves the chance to pursue an education and a future that reflects their strengths, talents, and goals. With this funding, we can help even more students reach their potential while enriching our entire campus community.”
The TPSID grant will fund program expansion and recruitment, peer mentorship initiatives, and employment partnerships — ensuring that students with intellectual disabilities receive individualized academic support and pathways to competitive, integrated employment after graduation. The total estimated cost of the program is $3,306,021, 75% funded by the Department of Education and 25% funded by UVU.
By working alongside Utah State University and other community partners, Wolverines Elevated will contribute to a stronger, more inclusive statewide system of postsecondary education — one that empowers students of all abilities to learn, grow, and succeed.
About Wolverines Elevated
Wolverines Elevated is a three-year inclusive postsecondary education program at Utah Valley University for students with intellectual disabilities. Housed within the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism, the program integrates academic coursework, social engagement, and vocational training to prepare students for meaningful employment and independent living.
