Mission
Aggies Elevated at Utah State University is a two-year certificate program designed to empower college-age students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) to become resilient problem-solvers and self-determined citizens of inclusive communities. With the assistance of staff and invited stakeholders, Aggies Elevated students create a person-centered plan to identify challenges, build on individual strengths, seek out and utilize supports, and encourage personal responsibility in five domains (Lifelong Learning, Independent Living, Community Involvement, Self-Advocacy, and Career Development). The program’s goal for graduates is competitive integrated employment, full community inclusion, and independent living to their highest ability.
Additional Information
MyCLIMB
During the second semester, students identify their strengths, their Big Goals, the steps necessary to reach them, and potential supports in five domains: Self-Determination, Career Development & Employment, Academic Enrichment, Independent Living, and Campus & Community Engagement. Each student creates a Powerpoint and presents his or her plan for the future in a student-run meeting with family members and invited stakeholders. Students update their plans in each subsequent semester, culminating in an Exit MyCLIMB presentation.
During the second semester, students identify their Big Goals, the steps necessary to reach them, and potential supports in five domains: Self-Determination, Career Development & Employment, Academic Enrichment, Independent Living, and Campus & Community Engagement. Each student creates a Powerpoint and presents his or her plan for the future in a student-run meeting with family members and invited stakeholders.
TPSID
Aggies Elevated is one of 25 TPSID (Transition and Post-secondary Education Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities) model demonstration program grantees. The 5-year, $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education has made it possible for the program to increase capacity from 6 students to 14 students by 2020.
Independent Living
Aggies Elevated students participate in a weekly independent living seminar that introduces a variety of essential topics and skills including healthy relationships, navigating public transit, cooking, budgeting, becoming providers of service (not just recipients), emotional self-regulation, and self-care
Independent Living is also one of the domains in the MyCLIMB person-centered planning process. In this process, students identify strengths, challenges, and a Big Goal they would like to achieve by the end of their program. Mentors assist the students to break down those goals into easily achievable, weekly, stepping-stone goals.
Eagles Elevated: USU Eastern
Eagles Elevated is a three-year inclusive postsecondary education program at Utah State University Eastern in Price, Utah for students with intellectual disabilities. The program offers a two-year certificate in Integrated College and Community Studies and several pathways for Technical Education options in the third year of the program.
GIVE
Aggies Elevated relies on the generosity of private donors for a portion of its operating budget. Donor support also covers the program fee for students who are experiencing financial hardship. If you are interested in providing financial support for Aggies Elevated, please contact Lance Beckert, Senior Director of Development for the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services by phone at 435-797-1611 or via e-mail at lance.beckert@usu.edu.