![\"SCALE](\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/institute-human-development\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/347\/SCALE-logo-v3-03-464x348.png\"){kind=logo}
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The Institute for Human Development (IHD) at Northern Arizona University is proud to announce the launch of\u00a0Supporting College Access, Learning, and Employment (SCALE)<\/a><\/em>, a newly funded, five-year initiative supported by a\u00a0$500,000 U.S. Department of Education grant. The program, based in Flagstaff, Arizona, builds on the success of the earlier\u00a0Supporting Inclusive Practices in Colleges (SIP-C)<\/em><\/a>\u00a0project and represents a major step forward in creating inclusive, sustainable pathways for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) to succeed in college and beyond.<\/p>\n SCALE\u2019s mission is to\u00a0empower individuals with ID to participate and thrive in higher education. Working closely with college campuses and community partners across Arizona, SCALE provides person-centered, student-led supports that promote academic success, self-determination, and meaningful employment after graduation. The program\u2019s long-term goal is to develop a\u00a0sustainable statewide model for inclusive postsecondary transition.<\/p>\n From SIP-C to SCALE<\/strong><\/p>\n Since its launch in 2020, SIP-C has enabled dozens of Arizona students with intellectual disabilities to attend college alongside their peers. Building on this foundation, SCALE broadens access across rural and underserved regions and introduces multiple pathways tailored to students\u2019 readiness levels. These include college preparation academies, career exploration, dual enrollment, and direct entry into college or trade programs. Current SIP-C students will continue receiving full support throughout the transition to SCALE.<\/p>\n Core Values and Approach<\/strong><\/p>\n SCALE\u2019s guiding principles, \u201cFront Door First\u201d\u00a0and\u00a0\u201cSet the Bar High,\u201d encourage participants to take full advantage of campus resources while pursuing ambitious academic and personal goals. Each student is matched with a dedicated support team that includes trained staff and peer mentors. Together, they use evidence-based strategies to promote self-advocacy, confidence, and inclusion in all aspects of campus life: attending classes with peers, joining clubs and student organizations, and engaging in intramural activities. Through partnerships with on-campus resources such as\u00a0TRiO Student Support Services,\u00a0Student Affairs, and\u00a0Disability Resources, SCALE ensures that students receive coordinated, comprehensive support.<\/p>\n SCALE students attend partner institutions such as\u00a0Northern Arizona University,\u00a0Coconino Community College,\u00a0Mohave College, and\u00a0Arizona Western College, pursuing degrees, certifications, or credentials in any field of interest. Through collaboration with the\u00a0NAU College of Education, the program will also develop a specialized college prep curriculum to strengthen college readiness and lifelong learning skills.<\/p>\n To assist families, educators, and professionals, the program also offers the\u00a0Accessible Learning and Inclusive Guidelines for Network Success (ALIGNS)<\/em> Workbook<\/em>, a free online resource featuring strategies for inclusive transition planning. Click here to access the workbook<\/a>.<\/p>\n A Vision for the Future<\/strong><\/p>\n With its combination of individualized supports, community collaboration, and data-driven improvement, SCALE aims to transform how Arizona approaches inclusive postsecondary education. By emphasizing self-determination and real-world experience, the program not only helps students succeed in college but also prepares them for competitive, integrated employment and independent living.<\/p>\n