TCIOC receives capacity grant

Think College Inclusion Oregon Coalition (TCIOC) is incredibly honored and excited to be leading the effort to increase post-secondary education opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Think College National recently awarded TCIOC a regional hub grant to help us with the vital work of creating more inclusive college options along the West coast. With this grant, we will expand on the success of Think College, building high expectations for our youth and a clear, shared vision for creating more inclusive post-secondary options across Oregon and the Northwest region.

Youth with intellectual disabilities have the lowest rates of education or work after high school of all disability groups. Research shows positive outcomes for individuals with disabilities who receive post-secondary education:

• They are 26% more likely to gain paid employment

• They earn 73% more income than those who do not receive post-secondary education

“The National Catholic Board on Full Inclusion works to advocate for families with children with disabilities to be fully included in their parish school. We offer free support, mentorship, and collaboration for Catholic educators as well. We feel the need to help create inclusive communities from preschool through college for students with disabilities so a natural beginning point is helping to develop post-secondary options for these students. We are thrilled to collaborate with Think College and others to create these opportunities in a number of communities. The familiar hymn rings true: ALL Are Welcome!”
- Beth Foraker, National Catholic Board on Full Inclusion & Member of TCIOC Regional Hub