Their Voice: UVU’s Wolverines Elevated program for disabled students on the rise
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Monica VillarIn December 2020, I was excited to write about a new program that was coming to Utah Valley University to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to pursue continuing education. The program is called Wolverines Elevated and was developed by the Utah Higher Education Inclusion Alliance, or UHEIA. The program launched at UVU during the fall semester in 2021 with just four students. The second year they had nine and they are working toward having 10 to 12 this year.
Since the pilot program, there have been two additional programs started in Utah including Aggies Elevated at Utah State University in Logan and Eagles Elevated at USU Eastern in Price.
Wolverines Elevated is a three-year certificate program for young adults with intellectual disabilities between the ages of 18 and 25. The program has specialized coursework focusing on self-determination, independent living and career development with inclusive coursework to pursue industry-recognized certificates. Participating students also are able to participate in their own goal planning and will have full access to student clubs and activities. The career development offers opportunities including job sampling and on-campus and community internships. Students who complete the program will earn a certificate from the Wolverines Elevated program and will have the opportunity to pursue any of the industry-recognized certificates offered at UVU.
Applications are currently being accepted for next fall and can be found at https://bit.ly/3EJBGgi. The deadline to apply is Dec. 10.
There will be an open house at the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism on Dec. 2 from noon to 2 p.m. for anyone interested in learning more about the program. You may also call Morgan Jacobs at 801-863-5517 or email morgan.jacobs@uvu.edu.
Jane Carlson, director of the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism, is proud of the progress the program has made and is making and states that, “Wolverines Elevated is an opportunity for students who previously were unable to pursue higher education to be able to attend college with their peers in an environment where they can succeed.”
