About CTPs
Kentucky Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Program Brief for Potential CTPs
Comprehensive Transition & Postsecondary Programs
Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs (CTPs) were created by the Higher Education Opportunities Act (HEOA, 2008) and are designed to support students with intellectual disabilities (ID) who want to continue academic, career and technical, and independent living instruction at an institution of higher education (IHE) in order to prepare for employment.
CTPs are higher education programs for individuals with ID that lead to a meaningful credential. Hallmarks of high-quality programs include (a) the social and academic integration of students with ID with their non-disabled peers, and (b) an individualized person-centered planning process that improves the needed skills and competencies of each student.
A high-quality CTP increases the number of individuals with ID who are academically, practically, and socially prepared to obtain and retain competitive employment in integrated settings and prepares them to live full and independent lives.
What does it mean for students?
Eligible students with ID, as defined by the HEOA, who are enrolled in an approved CTP will have the opportunity to take challenging and meaningful credit and non-credit courses alongside their non-disabled peers and in their chosen fields of study.
Additionally, students enrolled in an approved CTP are eligible for federal and state financial assistance – even if they don’t have a regular high school diploma and are not matriculating toward a degree.
Student Financial Assistance:
Students with ID enrolled in an approved CTP can access federal financial aid for which they qualify and state financial aid from the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES), Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, and College Access Program Grant programs, if eligible. Students and families can contact the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) at (800) 928-8926 or visit kheaa.com for help with the financial aid process.
To learn more about financial assistance for students enrolled in an approved Kentucky CTP, see CTP Brief: Student Financial Assistance.
What does it mean for colleges or universities?
IHEs interested in establishing a CTP must apply to the Federal Student Aid Office at the United States Department of Education (ED). The establishment of an approved CTP enables IHEs to:
- Provide access to financial aid for students with ID
- Receive recognition as an approved CTP on the ED website
- Promote equitable access and success for a population of students conspicuously underrepresented in higher education
There are six approved CTPs in Kentucky:
Additional Information
ThinkCollege, the National Coordinating Center for Transition Postsecondary Programs for Students with ID, has developed a learning module on CTPs. This four-part module discusses requirements for CTPs, preparing to become a CTP, the application submission and review process, and other components to student financial aid eligibility. The module includes a CTP Application Template, a step-by-step checklist, key components from successful CTP applications, as well as other related resources.
Last updated 9/13/2023. To view the latest version of this document, visit www.kshep.hdiuky.org/resources
For more information, please contact:
Johnny W. Collett
Deputy Director
(859) 257-2304