What is Think College?
Think College provides resources, technical assistance and training related to college options for students with intellectual disability, and manages the only national listing of college programs for students with intellectual disability in the United States.
We are dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability. With a commitment to equity and excellence, Think College supports evidence-based and student-centered research and practice by generating and sharing knowledge, guiding institutional change, informing public policy, and engaging with students, professionals and families.
Think College Fact Sheet (downloadable PDF)
We conduct and extend our work through several specific projects, described below.
Current Projects
National Coordinating Center for Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disability (TPSID) (2010-2025)
The National Coordinating Center provides technical assistance, resource development and training related to postsecondary education for students with ID. It offers support, coordination, and evaluation services for Transition and Postsecondary Education Program (TPSID) grantees. The NCC shares resources via several dissemination strategies, including its website, www.thinkcollege.net, social media and a newsletter.
Funded by the Office of Postsecondary Education at the US Department of Education, Grant #P407B200001, FY2021-2025
Think College Inclusive Higher Education Network (2021-2024)
In collaboration with the Think College National Coordinating Center, The Network disseminates research and best practices related to improving inclusive postsecondary education for students with intellectual disability, helps colleges and universities develop and expand postsecondary education programs; promotes positive academic, social, independent living, and self-advocacy outcomes for students with ID; and supports faculty, campus service providers, and families to meet the needs of students with ID.
Funded by the Office of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education (Grant No.: P407C210001).
Transition Leadership Graduate Degree/Certification Program (2012-2022)
The Transition Leadership program is designed to prepare initially or professionally licensed professionals who wish to obtain an education specialist endorsement in transition services. The courses are taught online with an on-site practicum and strong mentoring relationships. Scholarships are available to scholars who support students identified as having low-incidence disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, autism, sensory impairments, and traumatic brain injury.
Funded by Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education, Grant #H325K160082
Future Quest Island-Explorations (2018-2023)
FQI-E is an engaging game-based online curriculum focusing on college and career awareness using the evidenced-based “Possible Selves” framework to support improved self-concept, social and emotional competence, and early college and career awareness for elementary students in grades 3-5 with and without disabilities.
Funded by the Federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) 2018-2023
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Moving Transition Forward (2019-2022)
This project examines the composition and impact of existing transition practices via a series of research studies that will involve secondary analysis of two national datasets.
Funded by Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER), Special Education Research Grants competition, Award number: R324A190085
Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment (MAICEI) (2007-current).
Provision of training and technical assistance to MAICEI grantees that support students with ID in going to college. Developed online training materials and provided customized technical assistance for MAICEI grantees.
Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
Past Projects
Think College: Future Quest (2012-2018)
Future Quest assists all middle school students to prepare for high school and postsecondary education and employment after high school. Future Quest’s online activities promote student self-advocacy, self-exploration, organization, and technology literacy skills.
Funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, Grant #H327510012.
Rehabilitation and Research Training Center on Transitioning Youth and Vocational Rehabilitation (2014-2018)
This study looks at the role and impact of vocational rehabilitation (VR) in inclusive higher education for youth with intellectual disability and autism.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, Grant Number: 90RT5034-02-01
Think College Transition Model Project (2014-2017)
The Think College Transition Project is developing and implementing an inclusive dual-enrollment transition model designed to improve achievement and post-school outcomes for youth with intellectual disabilities and autism.
Funded by US Department of Education, Investing in Innovation funds, with matching funds from the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation.
A Consortium on Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (2008-2014).
Provided training and technical assistance to personnel interested in developing and or enhancing postsecondary education programs for students with ID. Offered Capacity Building Institutes on postsecondary education programs for students with ID nationwide.
Funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, Grant #90DD0658
A Center on Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (2008-2012)
Conducted a national survey of postsecondary education programs and provided training and technical assistance nationwide.
Funded by the US DOE, NIDRR, Grant #H133A080042
Projects to Ensure Students with Disabilities Receive a Quality Higher Education (2003-2011)
Equity and Excellence in Higher Education was designed to provide training and technical assistance for disability service office personnel and faculty on how to apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to course design (e.g., syllabus, instruction, and assessment).
Funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education for three cycles of funding
College Career Connection: A Pathway to Success for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (2005-2010).
Research and Innovation project. Developed and evaluated a model demonstration for dually enrolled students with ID, age 18-22 years old in high school and college.
Funded by the US Department of Education, OSEP Grant # H324C040241
University of Hawaii Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Postsecondary Education for Students with Disabilities (1998 – 2003)
The first federally funded National Center on Rehabilitation Research and Training on Postsecondary Education for Students with Disabilities. Principal Investigator (Hart) was the lead on the strand studying higher education for students with ID. Overall, this RRTC was focused on identifying supports and services provided to students with disabilities by disability services offices.
Funded by US DOE, NIDDLR, through a subcontract with the University of Hawaii RRTC
College-Career Connection Model demonstration OSEP (1997-2001)
Worked with five Community Colleges (Holyoke, Quinsigamond, Massasoit, Bunker Hill and Roxbury CC) in Massachusetts to develop an inclusive model for transition services for students with intellectual disability age 18 – 22 years old in authentic inclusive higher education options.
Funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs