Project Description:
By law, all students, including students with disabilities, should have equal access to and benefit from postsecondary education. Unfortunately, students with disabilities are accessing postsecondary education, especially in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) areas, at a rate far below that of other students. The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies, in collaboration with Maine EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research), will develop and evaluate a model for supporting the transition of Maine students with disabilities into STEM-related postsecondary educational opportunities within the University of Maine System (UMS). A package of evidenced-based supports will be provided to participating students and their families, including student and family-centered planning meetings, training, STEM career exploration, mentoring relationships and internships.
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN