Good news in your inbox: Bo's story, graduate celebrations & more!
Good news in your inbox: Bo's story, graduate celebrations & more!
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IN! Colorado Initiative for Inclusive Higher Education Logo

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This Just IN!

April 2023 Edition 
Graduation season is officially here, and with it comes several emotions that surround this exciting time of celebration and transition. We are eager to watch many students with intellectual disabilities walk the graduation stage in just a few short weeks and proudly declare all that they have accomplished! Whether you are walking or watching, we hope you are able to look to the future with anticipation and a steady reminder that individuals with disabilities are truly capable of anything.
Read on to continue being inspired, invested, and inclusive alongside us! 
In this newsletter, you will find: 

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: BO @ ACC

Bo is one of four graduating seniors from Elevate at Arapahoe Community College. He will be graduating with an associates degree in general studies and an emphasis in business and accounting. Despite the barriers Bo faced when pursuing higher education, he never thought twice about going to college or not. He knew that he wanted to pursue further education and would do whatever it took to achieve that goal. Thanks to the guidance of Elevate and many other wonderful supports across the ACC campus, Bo is graduating with his degree and several job prospects that he is excited about, including bookkeeping for local businesses. 
When reflecting on his time at ACC, Bo realized just how much he has grown! He not only gained knowledge through his classes, but he also developed strong skills in communication, community development, and overall adaptability. He attributes this growth to the natural inclusion he experienced at ACC and the many supports he had. From his experience, Bo encourages future students to be themselves and to self-advocate always! 
Bo is a natural leader and has much to be proud of! He looks forward to taking on the new challenge of life after college, and we could not be more excited to see what he accomplishes. Be sure to check out Bo's full senior story by clicking the image below. 
Image of Bo, a graduating senior, sitting in an office chair in his bedrom with a big smile

MEET ALL OUR GRADUATES! 

This May, 12 students will be graduating from inclusive college programs at ACC, UCCS, and UNC, plus 1 honorary graduate that went on to receive her bachelors degree from CSU last December. Now totaling 44 students that have completed inclusive higher education in CO, each has proven that anything is possible!
We invite you to check out our graduation webpage to find out more about each student, including their major, future goals, and what they've learned throughout their college careers.
Click Here to See The Graduation Webpage

BECOME A GRADUATE INVESTOR

In celebration of our 2023 graduates, you can become an IN! Graduate INvestor for $20.23 per month! We would love to see 13 new Monthly INvestors in honor of each of the 13 graduates we are celebrating this year! Monthly INvestors play an integral part in continuing the mission of IN! and investing in the futures of countless more students with intellectual disabilities. Check out details about becoming a Monthly INvestor here! We'd love to have you join IN! on this important work. 
Become a Graduate INvestor Today

JOIN US FOR THINK COLLEGE AWARENESS WEEK

Think College, the national resource hub for all things inclusive higher education, is leading the charge and helping to raise greater awareness of college options for students with intellectual disability. Throughout the week of April 24th-28th, they will be hosting daily virtual learning opportunities sharing information and resources for students, families, educators, transition professionals, and higher education personnel. All events are FREE and open to the public. Be sure to see all their offerings and register here. 

UPCOMING IN! RESOURCES:

Spring23 Webinar Series:

Our Spring 2023 Webinar Series is coming to close with only 4 more free webinars available. Tune in to learn more about inclusive higher education and work to best prepare your student(s) for this post-secondary pathway. Click the links below to register in advance for each webinar or visit our upcoming events webpage for more details.  
  1. Alumni Panel: Life After College
    April 27 @ 5-6pm
  2. Essential College Readiness Steps for Students with ID
    May 17 @ 4:30-6pm
  3. Inclusive Higher Education Expansion Updates
    May 23 @ 12-1pm
  4. DVR & Employment Support At and After College
    May 31 @ 4:30-6pm

IN! Tailgate Party 2023:

Have you gotten your tickets for IN!'s Annual Tailgate Party yet? Be sure to join us for this wonderful event celebrating the power of inclusive higher education on Thursday, July 27th at Pindustry in Greenwood Village, CO!
This is an incredibly fun event that brings the community, families, school partners and local businesses together to raise support for inclusive higher education statewide!
The evening will be filled with students, games, cocktails, dinner, inspiring speeches, expansion announcements and fundraising to continue making college dreams come true. Plus, it's casual! That's right - you can wear your college t-shirt and flip-flops. You won't want to miss it. Rally some friends, family, or colleagues, and buy your tickets today
Tailgate Party Details

COMMUNITY RESOURCES:

We love being a part of a much larger network of passionate organizations. Check out these amazing opportunities to learn and engage with resources in our community. 
  • Next Steps After High School: Join this resource event on April 25th hosted by Easterseals Colorado and the Lone Tree Arts Center to gather information on education, job training, and employment opportunities for teens and young adults with disabilities. Free dinner is provided. Be sure to review the flyer details below and reserve your spot at the link above. 
  • Employment First Resource Fair:  On May 9 @11:00am -1:00pm in Denver, you can connect with a variety of employment services and vendors focused on Employment First Philosophy, Competitive Integrated Employment, and DVR programs and services. RSVP at the link above.
  • Transition Leadership Institute - Life Beyond Limits: June 12-14 the Colorado Department of Education is offering a parent strand at their annual conference so that families can learn how to successfully transition their student with disabilities into adult life. See details in the flyer below and click the link above to register. 
  • Summer Institute at UCCS: There are still spots available for the free summer institute hosted by The Office of Inclusive Services (OIS) at UCCS. June 5-9 or June 26-30, this is a wonderful preparatory experience for students with intellectual disabilities to discover, explore, and experience college life. Be sure to review the details on their flyer below and head to link above to submit an application. 
Next Steps After High School Flyer
CDE Transition Leadership Institute Flyer
UCCS Summer Institute Flyer
Thank you for believing in inclusive higher education! We invite you to give to our mission and help us continue opening doors and paving paths to inclusive higher education in our state.
Make a Donation Today
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7931 S Broadway #193 
Littleton, CO 80122 United States


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