How To Think College

Paying for college is hard. However, there are scholarships available for students with intellectual disability who want to go to college. This resource was created to help families and others locate scholarship money to help pay for college. There are scholarships listed that any student is eligible for, and many that are for students with specific disabilities. The information included in this document is up-to-date as of February 2026. The information will be reviewed and updated every year.

This resource is intended to provide an initial list of areas to consider when developing an inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) program with a robust course of study, a meaningful certificate, and improved employment and quality of life outcomes for non-degree seeking college students with intellectual disability (ID). There is a list of six program development areas with helpful tips, guiding questions, and many resources to support the process. 

Reporting and sharing program graduate achievements is an important part of the continued success and improvement of inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE). The Think College National Coordinating Center (NCC) held an information-sharing session where staff from Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) shared ideas on how to stay in touch with these graduates and collect follow-up data.

As colleges and universities open their doors to students with intellectual disabilities (ID), it is essential that students are afforded opportunities and the support necessary to authentically engage in their campus communities. Community life engagement (CLE) refers to people accessing and participating in their communities outside of employment. This resource shares how college and university staff can use the four CLE guideposts to facilitate the development of natural campus connections and support for students with ID on college campuses

This practical publication explains the benefits of forming an inclusive postsecondary education state alliance and provides lessons learned and tips for starting or expanding state alliances. Included are ten tips to get started, different possible models to consider, lessons learned, and related resources.

Mentors are often used to support students with intellectual disability as they transition to college. They are typically other college students who assist with academics, adjusting to college life, connect these new college students to campus clubs, organizations, and services, and support them to engage in campus activities. Such mentor models are as diverse as the institutions in which the students are enrolled.

This college-based transition services timeline was created by Think College, in partnership with the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative, for teachers, families, and students preparing for dual enrollment. It includes tasks that should be considered by all members of the transition team from recruitment through new student orientation.