Inclusive Higher Education Grants

 

Increasing sustainable opportunities for inclusive postsecondary education for people with intellectual disability in Minnesota

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education administers the Inclusive Higher Education Grants per Minnesota Statutes 135A.162.

Established in the 2023 Minnesota Legislative session, the Office of Higher Education will administer a new Inclusive Higher Education competitive grants program for Minnesota postsecondary institutions to develop new or enhance existing initiatives with the purpose of increasing overall enrollment and access for students with an intellectual disability.

"Inclusive higher education" means institution-approved access to higher education for students with an intellectual disability that allows for the same rights, privileges, experiences, benefits, and outcomes as a matriculating student’s college experience, resulting in earning a higher education credential. 

Who is Eligible to Apply?

An eligible application must meet all of the following:

• A public, nonprofit, or tribal postsecondary two-year or four-year institution 
• Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
• Meets the eligibility requirements under section 136A.103

If awarded grant funds, a grantee must adhere to all of the following:

• Adopt the model Program Accreditation Standards for Postsecondary Education Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities and the inclusive higher education guiding principles as developed by the National Coordinating Center
• Apply for and obtain the Comprehensive Transition Postsecondary (CTP) Program approval from the US Department of Education. This requirement is embedded in the Program Accreditation Standards for Postsecondary Education Programs. Institutions will apply to amend their Federal Financial Aid application to include inclusive higher education. This opens Federal and State financial aid eligibility for students with an intellectual disability who go to college in Minnesota at an institution with CTP approval
• Provide a 25% match for the grant funds, either monetary or in-kind
• Collaborate with the Office of Higher Education, Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance Center, and key stakeholders in the development of the inclusive higher education initiative

What are the Elements of an Eligible Program Initiative?

The application process will include a written plan to develop or enhance a sustainable inclusive higher education initiative that:

• Offers the necessary supports to students with an intellectual disability to access the same rights, privileges, experiences, benefits, and outcomes of a typically matriculating student;
• Includes the development of a meaningful credential for students with an intellectual disability to attain upon successful completion of the student’s postsecondary education;
• Adopts admission standards that do not require a student with an intellectual disability to complete a curriculum-based, achievement college entrance exam that is administered nationwide;
• Ensures that students with an intellectual disability
  • Have access and choice in a wide array of academic courses to enroll in for credit or audit that align with the student’s interest areas and are attended by students without disabilities,
  • Have the option to live on or off campus in housing that is available to typically matriculating students,
  • Have access and support for genuine memberships in campus life, including events, social activities and organizations, institutions facilities, and technology, and
  • Are able to access and utilize campus resources available to typical matriculating students;
• Provides students with an intellectual disability with the supports and experiences necessary to seek and sustain competitive integrated employment;
• Develops and promotes the self-determination skills of students with an intellectual disability;
• Utilizes peer mentors who support enrolled students with an intellectual disability in academic, campus engagement, resident life, employment, and campus clubs and organizations;
• Provides professional development and resources for university professors and instructors to utilize universal design for learning and differentiated instruction that supports and benefits all students; and
• Presents a ten-year plan including student enrollment projections for sustainability of an initiative that is financially accessible and equitable for all interested students with an intellectual disability.

How Much Money Can a Grantee Receive?

Up to $1,425,000 in funding (fiscal years 2024 and 2025) is available for eligible applicants. An eligible applicant may apply annually for up to $200,000 per year (four-year maximum). Upon reaching the four-year maximum, an eligible applicant may apply for up to $100,000 per year (six-year maximum).

Grant awards will be prioritized among eligible applicants who have submitted for or received a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) Program designation, or documented progress or intent toward submitting for federal approval.

The intention is to award as many grants as possible within the means of available funds. Future grant awards will be contingent upon available funds.

What is the Application Process?

The Inclusive Higher Education Grants Request for Proposals has a tentative launch in May 2024. Contracts may be executed as early as September 2024.

FY2024-2025 (Tentative) Application Timeline

Request for Proposal Available: May 2024

Technical Question Deadline: TBD

Proposal Submission Deadline: June 2024

Award Notice to Applicants: August 2024

Mandatory Grantee Orientation: TBD

Project Period: September 2024 – June 30, 2025

Who do I Contact with Questions?

For Inclusive Higher Education Grants Program questions, please contact the Minnesota Office of Higher Education at GWI.OHE@state.mn.us. 

Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance Center

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the Institute on Community Integration, at the University of Minnesota, partnered to establish the Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance (TA) Center, with the purpose of creating access and support for self-sustaining inclusive postsecondary education options across the state. The TA Center will:

• Coordinate and facilitating the statewide initiative to expand and enhance inclusive higher education opportunities;
• Provide expertise in inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disabilities;
• Provide technical assistance to Minnesota institutions of higher education and local education agencies; and
• Provide information to students with intellectual disabilities and their families.

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education and TA Center will be collaborating on the Inclusive Higher Education Grants Program.

Learn more about the TA Center online at https://mihec.ici.umn.edu/.