Comprehensive Transition & Postsecondary Programs

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