Bobcat RISE (Resilience, Independence, Self-Determination, Empowerment)

Bobcat RISE is Texas State University’s four-year residential inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Program staff and advisors will use person-centered planning to help students learn more about themselves and design the future they envision for themselves.

Students will take traditional courses with their peers for P/F (audit). The program curriculum includes required core courses, self-selected interdisciplinary courses, and self-selected courses supporting their career interests. The program also includes a series of workshops focusing on topics that support student development in areas such as finances, social relations and sexuality, political advocacy, and others. Employment and career support will be woven throughout the four-year experience and each semester will include job shadowing and paid or unpaid internships and work experiences. Students will live in housing provided by American Campus Communities and have access to university meal plans.

Bobcat RISE students will be able to participate in any activities open to other Texas State University students including the development of their own student organization, participation in other student organizations, sporting, and fine arts events.

Students will graduate with their peers after successfully completing four years of course work and employment preparation. Bobcat RISE students will receive a certificate in Academic and Community Studies with concentrations in their area of interest (e.g., education, journalism, library science). Badges will also be developed in areas such as physical education, fine arts, technology, and communications that students can add to their resumes upon successful completion.