To increase higher education opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities has launched its new Tennessee Believes program.

The program, funded by a $500,000 grant from the state, will provide multi-year grants to colleges + universities across Tennessee to build new or strengthen existing programs for students with intellectual disabilities.

The 4 main goals of the program are to expand access to higher education, equip students with necessary tools and skills to enter the workforce, increase students’ independence + expand inclusivity and diversity on college campuses.

So far, 413 students have graduated from Tennessee’s inclusive higher education programs + 87% found jobs within 90 days after graduation. The Tennessee Believes program aims to increase these numbers by allowing more students to receive comprehensive education, vocational and employment preparation, community integration, peer support, and access to extracurricular activities through more local schools.

Currently, there are 2 inclusive higher education programs in Middle Tennessee: Next Steps at Vanderbilt + Lipscomb’s IDEAL program. Through Tennessee Believes, these programs, and any new ones created, have the opportunity to impact a larger number of students in the area.

Applications for grants are open now through Oct. 29 + funding will be awarded in early 2022.