Rockdale County webinar outlines Georgia inclusive postsecondary (IPSE) programs and KSU certificate details

Kennesaw State University and Georgia State University presenters told Rockdale County families during a school-hosted webinar that Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) programs offer college experiences and career preparation for students with intellectual disabilities.

Rich Matthews, director with the Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth at Kennesaw State University, described KSU’s two-year certificate program and its three pillars — Academic, Social and Career Enrichment (ACE) — and said the campus program has produced roughly "190 or so" graduates since the program’s first class in February 2011. "This is a certificate program," Matthews said, adding that KSU offers an on-campus housing option and an internship/apprenticeship sequence leading to hands-on work experience.

The webinar’s nut graf: presenters sought to give families granular details about admissions, costs, supports and next steps so parents and transition teams can evaluate college options that are not degree programs but are meant to increase independence and employment outcomes for students with intellectual disabilities.

Matthews outlined admissions and program requirements: application portal opened Sept. 1 and closes April 1; candidate files should…