NKU Captures Student CTP Experiences in New Video Series
These three short videos capture students’ academic experiences, campus life, and mentoring partnerships, as well as their experiences both on and off campus.
Tag: Students and Families
UK College and Career Studies Program Completion
UK College and Career Studies Program Completion
On May 7th, an intimate ceremony was held on UK’s campus to recognize the achievements of the five students completing the College and Career Studies (CCS) program this year. The event began with opening remarks from HDI’s Deputy Director, Johnny Collett, and CTP Coordinator Erin Fitzgerald. Ann, a peer mentor and media specialist who is also an alum of the program, then shared some of the accomplishments and highlights of each student and presented them with their certificates of achievement. All five students who completed the CCS program this year have also earned their Undergraduate Certificate in Universal Design. The students had a chance to share their thoughts about their experiences with family, friends, and other attendees from UK and the greater community. Thanks to everyone who showed support, and congratulations to all the program graduates: Callie, Kate, Gabby, Jacob, and Boris!
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
Southeast Post Secondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA) will hold its annual conference in Asheville, NC this year from May 21-23, 2025.
Southeast Post Secondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA) will hold its annual conference in Asheville, NC, from May 21 to 23, 2025.
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!
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.
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