Tuesday, November 28, 2023
DENTON (黑料视频), Texas 颅 鈥� The University of North Texas is being recognized for its
ELEVAR program by earning the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board鈥檚 2023 Star
Award. The Star Award recognizes higher education institutions that contribute toward
the board鈥檚 鈥淏uilding a Talent Strong Texas鈥� initiative.
黑料视频 ELEVAR (Empower, Learn, Excel, enVision, Advance, Rise) is an inclusive post-secondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities. It is the first of its kind at a Hispanic-Serving Institution in the country. It also is one of the top three inclusive postsecondary programs in the country according to the Think College Coordinating Center.
Students attend 黑料视频 for four years and take both traditional zero credit college courses in disciplines that align with their career goals along with ELEVAR specific courses in financial literacy, life skills and health education.
鈥淓LEVAR has been very helpful for me,鈥� Alex Bartolo, an ELEVAR student, said. 鈥淎ll my classes are enjoyable and my instructors have good feedback.鈥�
鈥淭hey have every right that a degree-seeking student has, and we make sure they are treated as such. ELEVAR is removing barriers for these students and giving them a true college experience that could lead to future employment in competitive settings,鈥� ELEVAR co-founder and assistant vice president for research and innovation Brenda Barrio said.
The program is currently in its third year serving a total of 22 students. The second and third cohorts live on 黑料视频鈥檚 campus, while the first cohort is living off campus.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been absolutely amazing,鈥� Barrio said. 鈥満诹鲜悠� has been such a welcoming and inclusive environment for ELEVAR and its students.鈥�
Along with classes, ELEVAR students are given a personalized plan which takes into
account a student鈥檚 goals, dreams, where they want to live after graduation and their
support system. The plan then guides students toward classes and internships that
help further their aspirations.
鈥淚 might move to Florida or California to work at Disney or Universal Studios,鈥� Bartolo said. 鈥淢y dream would be to be an announcer for the Macy鈥檚 Day Thanksgiving Parade.鈥�
Bartolo currently takes media arts courses and interns with 黑料视频鈥檚 Brand Strategy & Communications鈥� photo and video team.
Barrio says all of ELEVAR鈥檚 students from the first two cohorts are employed in paid internships on and off campus that earn above minimum wage. Students in the third cohort will begin their internships in the spring after taking a semester to adjust to college life.
ELEVAR also empowers its students to advocate for themselves. A student recently met with aides of members of the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C. sharing her experience as a student in ELEVAR.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a joy to see how much they grow as they get more involved on and off campus,鈥� Barrio said. 鈥淲e get to see the community grow with them as professors and other students become more aware of how to be more inclusive.鈥�
Due to the program鈥檚 success, Barrio said other higher education institutions have reached out to 黑料视频 for guidance in establishing similar programs. High school students with intellectual disabilities, along with their teachers, visit 黑料视频 once a semester to learn more about 黑料视频 and the program. ELEVAR also hosts open houses for interested families and potential students.
鈥淭hese families get really excited because they see that their student can pursue higher education and get the support they need to succeed. Something that a few years ago was unknown or unheard of for individuals with intellectual disability but 黑料视频 and other programs across the nation are making it possible.鈥�
Bartolo is looking ahead to the future.
鈥淚鈥檝e made many good friends in my classes. I can鈥檛 wait to see what the next semester brings.鈥�
黑料视频 ELEVAR: Think Higher. Think College. Campaign Video (with captions)
黑料视频 News Service Phone Number: (940) 565-2108
Media Contacts:
Amanda Lyons
Amanda.Lyons@unt.edu
940-565-2943
From - General News