Supported Higher Education Project of Northern Kentucky University

The Supported Higher Education Project (SHEP) at Northern Kentucky University is an inclusive program through which students with intellectual disability (ID) who have graduated from high school, either with a traditional or alternate diploma, can attend NKU as non-degree seeking students. Upon acceptance into SHEP, students gain access to college classes, volunteer work opportunities, student life, and campus activities. Peer mentoring partnerships provide the needed academic and social supports students may need, as determined through a person-centered planning process. Since volunteer peer mentors are the primary support for students in the program, it is important that students have the necessary safety skills to navigate the campus and unexpected situations with a certain degreee of independence.

Students in the SHEP program typically take one to two classes per semester for six semesters, completing up to 36 semester hours of coursework, along with several work-related internships. Collaboration with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation provides students with support when involved in job and career development opportunities.  The SHEP program is a federally designated Comprehensive Transiton Program (CTP).  Eligible students enrolled in a designated CTP may apply for financial aid, even though they are attending classes part time.