Think College has been awarded a new five-year, $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to continue as the National Coordinating Center (NCC) for the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID). We are thrilled to carry this work forward and continue advancing the field of postsecondary education for students with intellectual disability nationwide.
Since the inception of the TPSID initiative in 2010, Think College has proudly served as the National Coordinating Center. Over the past 15 years, we’ve had the honor of supporting 131 TPSID programs that open college doors for students with intellectual disability, helping them grow, strengthen, and sustain these opportunities for the long term. Now, as we begin work with the fourth cohort of TPSID grantees, we look forward to deepening this impact and supporting institutions across the country in building high-quality, sustainable college options for students with intellectual disability.
In partnership with the Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Association, Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University, Warner School of Education Center for Disability and Education at University of Rochester, and in collaboration with the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council (IHEAC), the National Coordinating Center will
- Provide support for TPSID and non-TPSID programs on program development, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
- Serve as a national technical assistance entity for K-12 and higher education professionals, families, and students.
- Disseminate knowledge from TPSID data and best practices via our broad dissemination network.
- Continue to help ensure accountability, quality, and sustainability by coordinating efforts related to growing program accreditation.
“Our team is grateful for the Department of Education’s continued investment in expanding and improving higher education options for students with intellectual disability,” said Meg Grigal, Principal Investigator for the NCC. “This next chapter of the National Coordinating Center will strengthen pathways to and through college—leading to improved employment, independence, and life satisfaction for people with intellectual disability.”