Inclusive Higher Education Programs by State
Learn about what inclusive higher education programs are available in the Mid-Atlantic region!
Delaware
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Career and Life Studies Certificate
University of Delaware
CLSC is a two year, residential certificate program at the University of Delaware for students with intellectual disabilities. CLSC provides integrated academic, career/technical and independent living instruction in preparation for gainful employment. CLSC students attend classes, participate in internships and work experiences, and engage in all aspects of campus life.
District of Columbia
Currently, there are no Inclusive Higher Education programs in the District of Columbia.
Maryland
College Steps
County College of Morris
College Steps is a nonprofit that provides customized, college support for students with learning and social challenges such as learning disabilities, autism, and executive functioning deficits. College Steps supports students to achieve success in post-secondary education, work, and life.
Community Based Transition Program
Allegany College of Maryland
Supporting students who are 18-21 years old to earn a certificate.
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Community Connection Program
Howard Community College
A Howard County Public School Systems vocational and life skills program supporting certificate students aged 18-21 in their last years of public school education. Community Connection eases the transition to independent adult life for transition-aged students with mild to moderate disabilities. The program, located on the Howard Community College campus, helps students develop the skills essential for success in work, social, and community environments.
Future Link
Harford Community College
The Future Link Program is a college-based transition program for 19-21 year old students with a disability who are working towards their Maryland Certificate of Completion. We are located at the Armory in downtown Bel Air, but utilize Harford Community College on a limited basis. Students who have the desire are able to access credit and non-credit classes.
Gateway to Independence
College of Southern Maryland - Leonardtown
The Gateway to Independence Program is a transition program for students with disabilities, ages 18 – 21, who will graduate from high school with a Certificate of Program Completion and have post-secondary goals to live, travel, and work independently in the community. The program seeks to provide these students with the academic, vocational, and social skills necessary to transition to postsecondary life successfully.
On-Campus Transition Program
Anne Arundel Community College
The On Campus Transition Program is an AACPS program for students with intellectual disabilities in their last two years of entitlement with the school system. They will attend AACC full time to participate in college classes and extra curricular activities in order to experience a college environment.
Post Secondary Functional Academic Learning Support
Community College of Baltimore County and Towson University
Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) believes that college and career readiness knowledge and skills for students with significant cognitive disabilities includes capabilities necessary to be successful, contributing and valued members in their communities. Our dual-enrollment Post Secondary Functional Academic Learning Support Programs (PSFALS) partner with area college campuses to provide challenging inclusive learning opportunities.
Seamless Transition @ Carroll Community
Carroll Community College
On the Campus of Carroll Community College, ST@CC (Seamless Transition at Carroll Community) is designed for students who can navigate the college independently. The program focuses on academic and social skills instruction, career development, self-advocacy, and office administration training.
TerpsEXCEED (EXperiencing College through Education and Employment Discovery)
University of Maryland, College Park
TerpsEXCEED is a 2-year certificate program at the University of Maryland College Park for students with intellectual disabilities who would not be able to apply and attend UMCP through a traditional pathway.
Transition Education at McDaniel
McDaniel College
​On the campus of McDaniel College, TE@M is designed for students with a high level of independence. The program focuses on academic and social skills instruction and career development.
New Jersey
Adult Center for Transition at RCSJ
Rowan College of South Jersey
The Adult Center for Transition (ACT) program students will receive education and employment preparedness, self-advocacy training, and have access to community resources. Utilizing person-centered planning, career interest inventories, resume writing and interview skills, job shadowing along with supported employment, students will be better able to define their career goals.
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Career and Community Studies
The College of New Jersey
The Career & Community Studies Program (CCS) at The College of New Jersey is a four year inclusive, college-based certificate program for young adults with intellectual disabilities ages 18-25*. The Career and Community Studies Program (CCS) is one of the oldest four-year, residential, inclusive post secondary/transition programs in the country.
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Center for Adults in Transition
Rowan College of Burlington County
RCBC's Center for Adults in Transition (CAT) is open to 21-24 year old students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabiliteis who have graduated High School, under the OSHE grant based on 2022 NJ Law. To apply, the latest IEP and evaluations are required along with the application. Two letters of reference are also required. Students will participate in classes with peers by auditing or for credit, as desired.
Certificate in General Education Studies
Montclair State University
The Certificate in General Education Studies (CGES) provides an inclusive educational experience that features a wide array of academic, social, and recreational opportunities at Montclair State University. The CGES program curriculum is a representation of the academic undergraduate degree programs and includes a student-driven selection of courses in the liberal arts and sciences followed by study in a self-selected area of concentration.
College Steps (Kean University)
Kean University
College Steps is a nonprofit that provides customized, college support for students with learning and social challenges such as learning disabilities, autism, and executive functioning deficits. College Steps supports students to achieve success in post-secondary education, work, and life.
DREAM Program
Mercer County Community College
DREAM PROGRAM Mercer County Community College's (MCCC) DREAM Program provides transition and postsecondary program opportunities for students who, due to limitations in both intellectual and adaptive behaviors, require additional supports to navigate the postsecondary environment. Upon successful application and acceptance to the program, identified students, ages 18-24, have the opportunity to reach individual goals in an inclusive and supportive college setting.
Garden State Pathways Program
Camden County College
The Garden State Pathways (GSP) Program is a post-secondary, transitional program sponsored by Camden County College, in its 11th year of operation at the Blackwood campus. The program is designed for students 18-24 years old with intellectual/ cognitive disabilities. Students can be admitted whether or not they have accepted their high school diploma.
Keep Achieving at Brookdale
Brookdale Community College
Keep Achieving (Kach) is a three-year college experience in collaboration with Brookdale Community College. Kach provides classroom and experiential learning on campus and in the community. Students attend Kach classes to strengthen basic academic skills, audit regular college courses during years two and three, and enjoy full integration into the Brookdale Community College student community, including time in the fitness center and campus volunteer work.
The Achievement Center
Raritan Valley Community College
The Achievement Center at Raritan Valley Community College is a certificate-based, post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities interested in developing their education to gain skills to enter the workforce. The Achievement Center recognizes that every student learns and processes information differently. Our college-level classes and student-centered approach empowers our students to find the right learning tools for them.
The Center of Adult Transition, ACCESS Program
Hudson County Community College
The ACCESS Program is a 15-week pre-college workforce transitional program based on a differential learning structure. The courses will teach Fundamental Life Skills/Student Success, Work Readiness, and Computer Literacy.
Transition and Career Studies
Georgian Court University
Transition and Career Studies (TCS) at Georgian Court University is a four-year, certificate-based, residential transition and postsecondary inclusive college-based program for students with intellectual disabilities. TCS students live on campus in a fully inclusive residence hall and receive a GCU board-certified certificate of completion upon fulfilling all program requirements.
Turning Point Program
Bergen Community College
The program utilizes student-centered planning, enhanced academic and peer mentoring support to provide an inclusive college experience that promotes the advancement of skills and knowledge in the areas of career/vocational skill development, academic enrichment, and socialization. Program goals focus on assisting students in developing the skills and experiences necessary to prepare them for adult life in the areas of employment, self-determination and decision making skills.
Pennsylvania
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Bearcat BEST
Saint Vincent College
The Bearcat B.E.S.T. program was born of the need, expressed by parents of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, for transition programming that would focus on the needs of young adults who, while they may not have the aptitude for post-secondary education, could achieve, with appropriate transition programming, a greater level of independence than a sheltered workshop would provide them.
Career Studies
Penn State Harrisburg
The Career Studies Program, a U.S. Department of Education approved Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP), where individuals with intellectual disabilities can obtain a high-quality, individualized post-secondary education that leads to social and professional networks, careers, and a bright future. Career Studies is an inclusive two-year, four-semester program that includes academic and social enrichment, career exploration, and practical work experiences.
Career, Independent Living and Learning Studies (CILLS)
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Career, Independent Living & Learning Studies (CILLS) is a program hosted by East Stroudsburg University that is designed to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities a learning experience in a campus environment where life and work skills are accelerated by daily engagement in the life of a university. The program includes living off campus and acquiring proficiency to function among others without disabilities on campus.
Compass
Duquesne University
The Compass Program is a fully inclusive post-secondary collegian program that is completing a pilot-phase and recruiting students for its first full-time cohort for the 2024-2025 academic year. Compass is a four-year certificate program for students who are enthusiastic about the opportunity to pursue curricular, vocational, and social opportunities at college as a means in which to develop independence and future careers.
Integrated Professional Studies
Widener University
Widener's Integrated Professional Studies Program supports students who want to cultivate skills of self-advocacy, independence, and skills and confidence to succeed in a rewarding career. Students enrolled in the integrated professional studies program will develop these important skills through on-campus coursework, hands-on career opportunities, and campus involvement.
Integrated Studies
Gwynedd Mercy University
Integrated Studies at Gwynedd Mercy University is a student-centered, inclusive post-secondary program for individuals aged 18-26 with intellectual disabilities. This program is designed to provide excellent opportunities in education, career development, and social participation within an inclusive academic setting. Integrated Studies strives to create a community that cultivates self-determination, service, self-efficacy, and lifelong learning.
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Integrated Studies (Millersville)
Millersville University
Integrated Studies is an inclusive post-secondary initiative for young adults age 18-26 with an intellectual disability. Our campus community of administration, faculty, staff, and coaches supports each student as they develop a person-centered plan to guide their journey at Millersville University. Students enrolled in Integrated Studies become fully immersed in the Millersville campus by engaging in academics, career exploration, and building relationships.
Integrated Studies Program
Misericordia University
The Misericordia Integrated Studies program is a two-year four-semester program of post-secondary instruction for individuals with moderate Autism (ASD) and/or intellectual disabilities. The students who would be interested in this program would be desirous of continued learning to increase the likelihood of a productive and fulfilling lifestyle of work and recreation and to be productive citizens included within the community.
Leadership & Career Studies
Temple University
Leadership & Career Studies (L&CS) is a four-year certificate program providing young adults with intellectual disability or intellectual disability and autism an authentic college experience while developing academic abilities, career aspirations, social networks, and self-determination at Temple University. Students in L&CS take academic courses, explore college life, and develop career experiences based on their interests and goals.
LifeLink PSU
Penn State University
LifeLink PSU provides State College Area School District students with special needs between the ages of 18-22 an opportunity to interact with students of their age in an environment that is socially and academically conducive to continued growth. These students are enrolled in the State College Area School District and have not yet taken their diploma.
Pathways to Authentic College Experiences (PACE)
Saint Joseph's University
Pathways to Authentic College Experiences (PACE) program is a four-year certificate program for students with intellectual disabilities. The program offers Saint Joseph’s students an inclusive and supportive college experience with opportunities to develop and grow their academic, social, employment, and self-determination skills.
RAM Initiative (Real Achievement Matters)
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Since 2018, the RAM initiative (Real Achievement Matters) program at West Chester University, provides students with intellectual disabilities, ages 18-24, to campus to participate in a two-year fully inclusive post-secondary education experience. The RAM initiative is ‘inclusive’ in that RAM students learn, live, and interact with all students, faculty, staff and administrators across campus, not in segregated environments.
REAL Certificate
Arcadia University
The Raising Expectations for Academic Learning (REAL) Certificate offers students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities the opportunity to participate in a 2 year post-secondary academic- vocational- and social inclusion-focused program. The REAL Certificate is designed for students who are not able to access college by meeting typical entrance criteria and students must be between the ages of 18-26 at the start of the program.
Rock Life
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
The Rock Life Program is a 4-year, non-degree, certificate transition program, for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is the mission of the program to provide an inclusive college experience that provides students an opportunity to learn and grow within themselves; while also enhancing foundational daily living skills. The framework of Rock Life has 4 pillars: Academic, Social, Vocational and Wellness.
SEED [Success, Engagement, Education, Determination]
Lehigh Carbon Community College
The Success, Engagement, Education, Determination (SEED) program provides comprehensive “direct” services for students with disabilities interested in college training to master skills in transition, academic, and/or career areas. Designed for students who may require additional services beyond what can be provided through traditional academic accommodations and support services, SEED provides education in independent living, socialization, and soft skills.
Transition Pathways
Drexel University
Transition Pathways of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute convenes partnerships with schools, organizations, businesses, and community members to develop innovative approaches to help young adults on the autism spectrum achieve a successful transition to adulthood. Supporting youth: We offer a growing collection of programs that prepare young people on the autism spectrum for employment and connect them to career opportunities.
VUnited Scholars
Villanova University
The VUnited Scholars Program is a two year residential certificate program offered through Villanova's College of Professional Studies. This program merges the following four elements: academic knowledge, social and psychological development, independent living skills, and career and vocational skills. Pursuing this program in an Augustinian, Catholic, valued-centered, residential environment provides students a meaningful and unique college experience.
WorkLink
Penn State University - University Park
The WorkLink program is a fully integrated, on-campus, non-residential 2-year certificate program, in WorkLink Strategies and Employability, at Penn State University (University Park). The WorkLink program provides the opportunity for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) to participate in postsecondary experiences and education alongside their peers.
West Virginia
Country Roads Program
West Virginia University
The goal of the program is to prepare students with disabilities for independence by providing academic courses, social engagement and real-world work experiences. Students will live in a shared residential housing arrangement, participate in social activities across campus and receive career education and training.
Virginia
ACE-IT in College
Virginia Commonwealth University
ACE-IT in College, an inclusive postsecondary education program, provides a pathway to higher education for students with intellectual disability (ID) that do not meet the traditional college entrance criteria. ACE-IT in College promotes inclusion and opportunities for students with ID at VCU. Not only do enrolled students take courses that align with their career goals, they also have paid campus jobs and community internships to help prepare them for their chosen careers.
College Steps (Northern Virginia Community College)
Northern Virginia Community College
College Steps is a nonprofit that provides customized, college support for students with learning and social challenges such as learning disabilities, autism, and executive functioning deficits. College Steps supports students to achieve success in post-secondary education, work, and life. We support students at Alexandria, Annandale, and Loudoun campuses.
ILEAP "Inclusive Learning Enabled Action Program"
Mountain Gateway Community College
ILEAP reinforces personal effectiveness skills while gaining occupational experience. It is a two-year intensive program – six semesters, including two summer terms -- that includes opportunities to earn 27 credit hours of coursework in classes with general population students and will assist program students in successfully transitioning into gainful employment.
Longwood LIFE
Longwood University
Longwood LIFE is a two-year non-degree post-secondary certificate day program for individuals with intellectual disabilities who receive the applied studies diploma and can navigate two full days a week of classes around campus with supervision.
The Mason LIFE Program
George Mason University
The Mason LIFE Program is an innovative post-secondary program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who desire a university experience in a supportive academic environment. The mission of the Mason LIFE Program is a dual purpose: the first is to provide a supportive academic environment for our students with intellectual and developmental disabilities; the second is to supply an apprenticeship for George Mason University students.