Think College

📣 Calling all programs -- showcase your program in front of thousands of students and families!

The National Down Syndrome Congress Convention College Fair is a dynamic, exciting event that brings together people with Down syndrome and their families from across the country who are exploring college opportunities. 🎓 It's an incredible chance to highlight your program, build brand recognition, and help students envision their future. 🌟

Exhibitor registration is still open—join us in Orlando and let families discover all your program has to offer! https://bit.ly/2026CollegeFair

📣 Calling all current, former, or future IPSE Students! This year's Student Leadership Conference at is still looking for presenters. Share your voice & your higher education story on stage! Complete the SLC Proposal Form if you would like to present. The NEW proposal deadline is June 15, 2026. https://bit.ly/4uKmneX

Looking forward to sharing from the Mid-Atlantic Alliance for Inclusive Higher Education CBI held today at the University of Delaware!

In 2024–25, 629 students with intellectual disability attended college through a TPSID program—a 13% increase from the previous year. 📈

That's hundreds of students discovering new possibilities, preparing for careers, building independence, and experiencing all that college has to offer!

TPSIDs are federally funded college initiatives designed to help students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) access inclusive higher education. As the evaluator of the TPSID initiative, the Think College National Coordinating Center collects data each year from TPSID grantees and partner sites and produces a report detailing achievements and trends. Learn more about the latest stories, data, and trends in inclusive postsecondary education in the 2024–25 Annual Report at https://tcollege.me/3QfscSI.

Happy first day of June!☀ IPSE summer programming is a great opportunity for students to develop and practice a variety of skills before attending college. Some summer programs have already kicked off for the season! Our newly updated resource on Summer Programs has an up-to-date list of programs from across the country offering summer opportunities - see what may be a good fit for you or your student this summer at https://thinkcollege.net/resource/program-descriptions/summer-programs.

College. Career development. Paid employment.

When Vocational Rehabilitation agencies and inclusive postsecondary education programs work together, students with intellectual disability benefit.

📈 97% of TPSID students participated in employment or career development activities

💼 74% had a paid job one year after completing their program

Discover how VR partnerships can support successful transitions from college to career in our resource "College to Careers: VR Can Make It Happen" at https://thinkcollege.net/resource/vocational-rehabilitation/college-to-careers-vr-can-make-it-happen.

📊 60% of students participated in paid work during the 2024–25 academic year through employment or paid work-based learning experiences — gaining work experience, building skills, earning income, and preparing for meaningful futures while in college!

Want to see more inspiring data and powerful outcomes from model demonstration programs across the country? Check out the latest TPSID Annual Report, including the executive summary and highlights, at [https://thinkcollege.net/think-college-news/now-available-the-2024-25-tpsid-annual-report](https://thinkcollege.net/think-college-news/now-available-the-2024-25-tpsid-annual-report).

Join MAIPSE for a session with nationally recognized transition specialist Kelley Challen, founder of Challen Education & Transition Services and author of Planning Beyond the IEP. With more than 20 years of experience in transition planning, college readiness, and adult services, Kelley will explore how schools, colleges, and adult agencies can better work together to support successful outcomes for students with intellectual disabilities.

Date & Time: Thursday, June 11, 2026
Location: University of Massachusetts Boston

Register: https://tcollege.me/4ucab6I

🎉 We’re excited to welcome Dr. Melanie Lopez to the team as our newest postdoctoral fellow!

Dr. Lopez brings extensive experience in inclusive postsecondary education, transition outcomes, and employment research for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her work focuses on creating inclusive pathways that support meaningful employment, independent living, and long-term success for neurodivergent students.

We look forward to the expertise, leadership, and perspective she will bring to our ongoing research and initiatives.

Read more about Dr. Lopez and her work: https://tcollege.me/4nZ4xT8