Post-Secondary Education

Planning for life after high school includes exploring a variety of postsecondary education options that match each student’s interests, strengths, and goals. Whether a student plans to attend a two- or four-year college, pursue a certificate or training program, or take individual courses to build specific skills, transition planning helps connect students to the right supports and pathways.

This page provides information and resources to help students and families understand the steps involved in preparing for postsecondary education—such as exploring programs, understanding admission and financial aid processes, requesting disability accommodations, and connecting with campus support services. The goal is to empower students to make informed decisions, advocate for their needs, and successfully navigate the transition to higher education and lifelong learning.

Getting Ready for College: Think College Resources

These tools from Think College help students, families, and educators prepare for the transition to higher education. Each resource focuses on a different aspect of college readiness, from exploring programs and understanding expectations to developing the foundational and self-advocacy skills needed for success. Together, they provide practical guidance to support students with intellectual disabilities in planning for and thriving in college.

TCTP timeline_portrait_F3.pdf

College Planning Timeline

Think College Transition Project – Institute for Community Inclusion, UMass Boston

This visual timeline helps students with disabilities plan for college step by step from grades 9–12. It outlines key actions for each year of high school, such as exploring interests, building academic and self-advocacy skills, visiting campuses, applying for college, and connecting with disability services. The guide encourages early planning, collaboration with the IEP team, and active participation in the transition process.

Understanding the Differences Between High School and College

Think College Transition Project – Institute for Community Inclusion, UMass Boston

This comparison guide helps students and families understand what changes when moving from high school to college. It highlights key differences in areas such as academic expectations, personal freedom, accommodations, and self-advocacy. The resource encourages students to prepare for increased independence and learn how to access support and accommodations in postsecondary settings.

HTTC_03_Understanding_Difference_HS_and_College_R.pdf

Conducting_College_Search_HTTC1v2.pdf

Conducting a College Search: Questions to Ask College Programs

Think College Transition Project – Institute for Community Inclusion, UMass Boston

This guide helps students with intellectual disabilities and their families navigate the college search process. It outlines key questions to ask when exploring inclusive postsecondary programs—covering areas such as academics, housing, supports, admissions, financial aid, and career development. The resource encourages families to make informed choices by comparing programs and understanding what inclusion looks like on campus.

“Tips to Prepare Students with Intellectual Disabilities for College Expectations: Accessing Disability Services & Accommodations”

Think College Grab and Go Practices Issue 15 – Institute for Community Inclusion, UMass Boston

This easy-to-use guide walks students and families through what to expect when meeting with the college disability-services office. It covers step-by-step how to disclose a disability, request accommodations, gather necessary documentation, and advocate for needed supports. The goal is to build the student’s confidence and self-advocacy skills so they can take the lead in applying for accommodations in their postsecondary setting.

GG15_Tips to Prepare Students for college expectations_R.pdf

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“Foundational Skills for College and Career”

Think College – Institute for Community Inclusion, UMass Boston

This goal-setting and assessment tool helps students build the skills needed for success in college, employment, and community life. The plan guides students to identify personal learning goals, track progress, and reflect on areas such as communication, independence, and self-advocacy. Designed for use with mentors, advisors, or job coaches, it promotes collaboration and structured feedback while helping students take ownership of their growth and skill development.

Links to Additional Post-Secondary Education Resources

🎓 Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Resources

Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE)
Expanding college access for students with intellectual disabilities and autism in Massachusetts.
MAIPSE connects public colleges and school districts to create inclusive college experiences for students ages 18–22. Participants can attend classes, join campus activities, and build employment skills while continuing to receive transition services.
Think College
A national leader in inclusive higher education.
Think College offers research, model programs, and practical tools for families, educators, and students exploring college options for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Family Resources – Think College
Guides, webinars, and real family stories about inclusive college experiences.
This section provides family-friendly resources on preparing for college, navigating applications, funding options, and supporting self-advocacy.
College Search – Think College
Find inclusive postsecondary programs across the country.
Use this searchable database to locate programs by state, level of inclusion, or program type, helping students and families find the best fit.
Think Higher.Think College.
A national campaign promoting college inclusion and success stories.
This awareness initiative celebrates students with intellectual disabilities who are thriving in college and encourages communities to rethink what’s possible.

📍 Local Inclusive College Opportunities

Northern Essex Community College – MAICEI Program
An inclusive college experience for students ages 18–22 in the Merrimack Valley region.
Through the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI), students with intellectual disabilities take college classes, engage in campus life, and gain career readiness skills with individualized support from NECC staff.

🎓 College Access Programs at Lawrence High School

GEAR UP Lawrence High School
Helping students prepare for college, careers, and lifelong success.
GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) provides academic, financial, and personal support to help students and families plan for college. Services include tutoring, mentoring, college and career advising, workshops on financial aid and scholarships, and assistance with applications. The GEAR UP team partners with teachers, counselors, and families to ensure every student is ready for life after high school.

💰 Financial Aid and College Planning

FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
The first step to accessing financial aid for college or career training.
FAFSA determines eligibility for federal and state financial aid programs, including grants, work-study, and loans. Completing the FAFSA each year can open doors to funding opportunities that make higher education more affordable. Families are encouraged to submit the FAFSA as early as possible after it opens each fall.
MEFA – Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority
Helping Massachusetts families plan, save, and pay for college.
MEFA provides free guidance, tools, and resources to help students and families understand financial aid, compare college costs, and make informed decisions. The site includes webinars, scholarship links, and checklists to support college planning from high school through graduation.

🧭 Using These Resources in Transition Planning

These resources can support meaningful transition discussions between students, families, and educators. They can be used to explore college options, identify supports, and plan next steps during IEP meetings, family planning sessions, or classroom lessons focused on life after high school. Encouraging students to take an active role in exploring their postsecondary goals helps build confidence, self-determination, and readiness for lifelong learning.

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