UK College and Career Studies Program completes First Semester
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Author: Teresa Belluscio
About CTPs
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
Inclusive Higher Education featured on The State of HDI Podcast
Inclusive Higher Education featured on The State of HDI Podcast
The State of HDI is a podcast exploring initiatives and projects of the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute (HDI).
In Episode 1, Johnny Collett (HDI Deputy Director) and Erin Fitzgerald (CTP Coordinator) discuss inclusive higher education programs that support students with education and career goals.
UK Launches College and Career Studies Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
UK Launches College and Career Studies Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Southeast Postsecondary Education Alliance
Promoting access to quality inclusive postsecondary education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a shared focus on collaboration through program development, resources, research, and public policy in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina & beyond!
CTP Brief: Student Financial Assistance
CTP Brief: Student Financial Assistance
Kentucky Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Program Brief for Students
Comprehensive Transition & Postsecondary Programs (CTPs)
CTPs were created by the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA, 2008). They support students with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) who want to continue academic, career, or technical instruction in higher education to better prepare for competitive integrated employment and independent living. CTPs:
- use person-centered planning to help students identify and explore career goals, which may include paid work and unpaid work-based experiences
- facilitate the social and academic integration of students on a college campus
- provide support to navigate all elements of college life, including admissions, coursework, work experiences, and extracurricular activities
CTP Program Eligibility
Students enrolled in an approved CTP must have a documented ID, as defined by the HEOA. This means a student:
- With a cognitive impairment characterized by significant limitations in:
- intellectual and cognitive functioning; and
- adaptive behavior
- Who is currently, or was formerly, eligible for a free appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Student Financial Assistance
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do students interested in a CTP apply for federal student financial assistance?
Students interested in enrolling in an approved CTP should complete the FAFSA each year at www.studentaid.gov and indicate which college(s) they want information sent.
- The FAFSA asks about high school completion status. How do students answer this question and will this affect students’ eligibility for financial aid?
Students with any diploma or credential other than a standard high school diploma (e.g., alternative high school diploma, GED, no diploma) select “none of the above”. This answer will not affect eligibility for student aid if a student is enrolled in an approved CTP.
- What does it mean if a FAFSA has been selected for verification?
In some cases, the U.S. Department of Education requires the financial aid office to verify the accuracy of certain information reported on the FAFSA. The school may request additional documentation from the student or parents to complete this review before federal student financial aid can be finalized. Being chosen for verification does not suggest that an error was
made on the FAFSA, and financial aid counselors can support students throughout the process.
- What do students enrolled in a Kentucky CTP need to do to keep their federal student financial aid?
As outlined by college/university satisfactory academic progress (SAP) policies for students in CTPs, students must maintain SAP and meet the basic federal student aid eligibility requirements. Students must re-apply each year for federal aid by filing the FAFSA.
- How do students enrolled in a Kentucky CTP receive their KEES funds?
College financial aid offices work directly with the statewide KEES coordinator at KHEAA to report enrollment and request the KEES CTP awards for eligible students (KRS 164.7882). KEES amounts for students enrolled in an approved CTP are $500 if enrolled in at least six (6) hours in an academic term; or $250 if enrolled in less than six (6) hours in an academic term. Note: KEES funds can only be awarded for fall and spring terms.
- How do students enrolled in a Kentucky CTP continue to qualify for KEES awards?
All that is necessary to qualify for renewal of the KEES CTP award is for a student to maintain enrollment in the CTP and maintain satisfactory academic progress as outlined in the SAP policy. Students are eligible for KEES CTP awards for a maximum of eight (8) academic terms.
- How can CTP students apply for the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship Program (WRKS)?
Click here to learn more about the WRKS Program, including how to apply.
- Does receiving financial aid/grants to pay for college affect Social Security benefits for CTP students?
Grants, scholarships, fellowships, or gifts received for educational expenses are not counted as income or resources by Social Security if they are used to pay for educational expenses in a timely manner. To learn more about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) when students turn 18, including how grants and scholarships affect SSI benefits, visit: www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11005.pdf
There are six approved CTPs in Kentucky:
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
CTP Program Brief: Students and Families
Comprehensive Transition & Postsecondary Programs
Kentucky Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Program Brief for Students and Families
Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs (CTPs) were created by the Higher Education Opportunities Act (HEOA, 2008). These programs support students with intellectual disabilities (ID) who want to attend a college or university.
CTPs include:
- academic and social integration
- individualized person-centered planning
- preparation for success in life and in competitive integrated employment
What does it mean for students?
Eligible students with ID, as defined by the HEOA, who are enrolled in an approved CTP have opportunity to take challenging and meaningful credit and non-credit courses in their chosen fields of study.
Students enrolled in an approved CTP are eligible for federal and state financial assistance. This includes students who don’t have a high school diploma and may not be working 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.
Students with ID may have questions about options for going to college.
Is college possible? How do I prepare? How do I apply? Can I afford it? How do I find the right college? What else do I need to know?
Answers to these questions can be found at www.thinkcollege.net/family-resources
CTPs were created to increase access to higher education for students with ID. CTPs provide support for students to:
- Take college courses that lead to a certificate or diploma
- Receive assistance in developing an individualized program of study
- Take courses (for a grade, audit, or pass/fail) with academic accommodations
- Receive academic and social supports, like peer mentoring and tutoring
- Have opportunities for work experiences and internships
- Foster self-reliance and self-determination
There are six approved CTPs in Kentucky:
Additional Information
To learn more, students and families may wish to talk to a teacher, school or vocational rehabilitation counselor and/or their Admissions and Release Committee (ARC).
Think College offers helpful information for students preparing to go to college and useful resources for families. To explore these resources, visit: www.thinkcollege.net/resources
If you would like to watch stories of other students with ID who have gone to college, you can find those here: www.tinyurl.com/yxaz3lco
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
CTP Programs: Key Points for Students
CTP Programs: Key Points for Students
Watch a video by Rebecca Gregory and Erin Fitzgerald about Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs. The video outlines key points students should know.
Vocational Rehabilitation Resources
Vocational Rehabilitation Resources
View resources relating to Vocational Rehabilitation.
Educator & Transition Team Resources
Educator & Transition Team Resources
View resources from ThinkCollege on supporting students to prepare for college, planning and conducting the college search, and understanding the supports that can be accessed in college.