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Students begin new inclusive postsecondary education program at N.C. State

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Courtesy of North Carolina State University's College of Education

North Carolina State University welcomes students to “Elevate” into college through their new inclusive postsecondary education program.

Elevate is a university-wide initiative designed for North Carolina residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and offers a four-year certificate. Housed in the College of Education, the program focuses on five pillars of success: academics, employment, personal development, independent living, and social engagement. 

Dreyahna Grunow, one of seven students in the new cohort, said that she decided to join the Elevate program after being inspired by her coffee shop manager, an N.C. State graduate. She hopes to learn about hiring and training employees as well as customer service. 

“I am looking forward to college spirit — to wear red N.C. State clothes on Friday like everyone else does. I am looking forward to college sports by tailgating and having fun with my friends and family and going to games to watch them play soccer, football, and basketball,” Grunow said. 

More from the UNC System

According to the press release, students will have the opportunity to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) fields. They will also have access to resources needed on campus and in surrounding communities.

“We are thrilled to welcome our inaugural cohort to N.C. State and excited to embark on this journey together. Through Elevate, we will empower each student to reach their full potential, learn, and grow,” Tamira White, program manager of Elevate, said. 

The current cohort of students will commute to and from campus. Housing will be available for the fall of 2025, the university said. 

Elevate is meant to address a statewide gap in opportunities available for students with IDD to pursue higher education, according to the press release.

Several community colleges offer programs for students with IDD as well as three public universities: Appalachian State University (Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program), UNC-Greensboro (Integrative Community Studies), and Western Carolina University. 

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