Tag: Students and Families

The SEPSEA logo is a series of circles with an open book in the middle, with bold color pages. Below are three stars and the words Justice, Inclusion, and Advocacy

Southeast Post Secondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA) will hold its annual conference in Asheville, NC this year from May 21-23, 2025.

Posted on | by Patti Singleton

Southeast Post Secondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA) will hold its annual conference in Asheville, NC, from May 21 to 23, 2025.

The SEPSEA logo is a series of circles with an open book in the middle, with bold color pages. Below are three stars and the words Justice, Inclusion, and Advocacy

The SEPSEA conference is an excellent opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about inclusive postsecondary education programs. You can attend sessions with students, alums, and professionals to learn more about what different people are doing to increase access to learning, engagement, and advocacy in college and university settings.

If you are not a member of SEPSEA, you can also find out more information about membership – as well as details about this year’s conference – at this link: https://sepsea.org/sepsea-annual-conference/#

Exciting Opportunity for Students with Down Syndrome: Apply for Ruby’s Rainbow College Scholarships by April 15!

Posted on | by Patti Singleton

Exciting Opportunity for Students with Down Syndrome: Apply for Ruby’s Rainbow College Scholarships by April 15!

Are you a student with Down syndrome dreaming of attending college? Ruby’s Rainbow is here to help you achieve your higher education goals! Ruby’s Rainbow offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to support students with Down syndrome in their pursuit of post-secondary education.

Who Can Apply? To be eligible for a Ruby’s Rainbow scholarship, you must:

  • Have Down syndrome
  • Be at least 18 years old by August 1 of the application year
  • Plan to enroll or continue enrollment in a post-secondary program that enhances your life through employment skills, independent living, or other interests
  • Provide copies of your high school diploma or equivalent, latest high school transcript, or proof of acceptance to or current enrollment in a post-secondary program1

How to Apply The application process is designed to help you showcase your personality, achievements, and dreams. Ruby’s Rainbow provides a detailed scoring rubric to guide you in creating a strong application. Remember to highlight your personal story, accomplishments, goals, and community impact.

Important Dates The application window is open now and closes on April 15. Don’t miss this chance to take a significant step toward your future!

Why Apply? Ruby’s Rainbow is dedicated to helping students with Down syndrome reach their highest potential and promoting awareness of their capabilities. By applying for a scholarship, you gain financial support and join a community that celebrates your achievements and dreams.

For more information and to apply, visit Ruby’s Rainbow’s scholarship application page.

Two students on UK's campus working on a computer together. One has long, black wavy hair and is wearing a UK t-shirt and jeans. The other has short, black curly hair and is wearing a grey t-shirt.

CTP Program Brief: Students and Families

Posted on | by Teresa Belluscio

Comprehensive Transition & Postsecondary Programs

Image of multiple students in caps and gowns, as well as two students in a classroom. The students are both in masks.

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:

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

johnny.collett@uky.edu