Nearly $300K grant awarded to MSU in support of students with intellectual disabilities
The North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities, a Center of Excellence at Minot State University, has been awarded a $289,518 grant from the U.S. Department of Education-Office of Post-Secondary Education under the Transition and Postsecondary Education Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities to support the Advancing Students Toward Education and Employment Program (ASTEP). ASTEP will help young adults with intellectual disabilities, living in rural communities, transition into post-secondary education, resulting in improved employment opportunities and greater life skills and self-determination.
“Today’s grant will support better outcomes for our state’s youth who live with intellectual disabilities and help them to have a higher quality of life and more independence,” Senator John Hoeven said.
Amy Armstrong, project director, indicated the new grant will build on the previous ASTEP program, funded from 2010-2015 at MSU.
“This new funding will enable the ASTEP program to build on and enhance program services, coordination, recruitment and program sustainability,” Armstrong said. “ASTEP will provide a robust post-secondary education program that is responsive to the needs of youth with ID living in North Dakota’s rural communities and in the Great Plains region.”
ASTEP will comprise inclusive college course work, career development, self-determination, independent living and pre-employment skills training and campus inclusion. NDCPD anticipates the grant will be funded for a total of five years with a cumulative budget of approximately $1.5 million through the year 2020. For questions, contact Armstrong at amy.armstrong@minotstateu.edu or 800-233-1737.
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| Published: 10/27/15 |
