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 include a psychological evaluation no more than two years old, a copy of the high school IEP, and an unofficial transcript at application with a final official transcript if admitted. He said KSU uses a standardized reading assessment and "require[s] third grade level or better." He described a cohort model (current cohort described as 38 students), a staff of eight in the program, roughly 10–12 students per advisor, and about 50 apprenticeship/internship placement options.

On costs, Matthews said textbooks and supplies for IPSE students are minimal compared with degree-seeking undergraduates (he estimated around $200 per semester for program-specific books/supplies). He said on-campus housing is an additional charge of just under $4,200 per semester and that students living on campus must enroll in a meal plan. He listed potential funding sources families commonly use: Pell Grants, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation, departmental scholarships and state IPSE tuition grants.

Darien Todd and Cheryl Arno of Georgia State University’s Center for Leadership and Disability presented statewide context. Todd summarized who benefits from IPSE programs: "IPSE is a good fit for students who are motivated to go to college, are motivated to be more independent, [and] are motivated to have a job," he said. Arno said there are now more than 300 inclusive postsecondary programs nationwide and 10 in Georgia, with about 163 students currently enrolled across the state’s programs. Arno noted state support for program development and scholarships: "there's more than $900,000 in the Georgia legislature for the tuition grants."

Presenters emphasized that individual colleges differ. Matthews and other speakers noted KSU’s ACE certificate includes three academy-specific courses, one community and professional education class, and one audited class taken with degree-seeking students supported by a peer mentor. Peer mentors and some programs also provide social mentors; program models and whether residential options are available vary by campus. The presenters pointed parents to the statewide portal (www.georgiaipsi.org) for links to each college’s program page.

Attendees asked practical questions during the webinar. Parents asked whether technical colleges host IPSE programs (presenters said Albany Technical College has a program and supports some apartment living rather than on-campus dorms), whether historically Black colleges and universities in Georgia run IPSE programs (presenters said none currently do), and whether students must carry medical insurance while on campus (presenters said they did not have an immediate answer and would investigate further). Presenters also confirmed summer opportunities: KSU plans two day-camp sessions (June 9–13 and July 7–11) for high-school–aged students; dates and registration details would be posted in March and shared with Rockdale staff.

The webinar closed with organizers encouraging families to apply early and to visit campuses. Matthews and Georgia State staff offered follow-up materials: a "Strategies for Success" handout compiled by the consortium, summer program details once finalized, and contact information for Rockdale County staff so families can receive recordings and flyers. Rockdale hosts announced a February 25 parent webinar on summer resources, a March resource fair with Newton County, and a March 15 parent academy focused on parent management strategies and community vendors.

Ending: Presenters urged families and transition teams to begin planning early — several speakers recommended starting outreach to colleges while students are in 10th grade — and to use the statewide IPSE portal and local Rockdale communications to track events, open houses and application deadlines.