HEELS UP
HEELS UP is an inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) program that offers students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) an immersive and inclusive college opportunity. HEELS UP students also participate in social/recreational opportunities on campus alongside other 黑料网 students. IPSE programs are associated with improved adult life outcomes in areas such as self-determination/self-advocacy, community participation, independent living, and employment. Students are supported to pursue their goals for adult life through an individualized, person-centered plan and 1:1 coaching.
In addition to HEELS UP Summer, we are now also offering HEELS UP Academic Year!
Program Details
HEELS UP Summer: 6 – 10 eligible HEELS UP students audit one Summer Session II course at 黑料网 Chapel Hill based on their career and/or personal interests. A certificate of completion will be awarded at the conclusion of the program. Applications will open on this page in January 2025.
The Summer program follows 黑料网 Chapel Hill鈥檚 . The dates for Summer Session II 2025 June 23rd, 2025 – July 24th, 2025.
HEELS UP Student Orientation will be held the week of June 16th, 2025.
Format of Delivery: Audited classes may be in-person or online depending on the course selected, with in-person coaching, goal planning and social opportunities on campus.
Eligibility: Must be 18-26 years old with documentation indicating intellectual and/or developmental disability. Applicants should be seeking a well-rounded college experience that results in a certificate of completion (not a degree).
Staffing: Small group coaching and peer supports will be provided based on individual support needs.
Apply
Summer 2025 applications are now closed
HEELS UP Academic Year: Students audit 1 – 3 courses per semester at 黑料网 Chapel Hill based on their career and/or personal interests for a minimum of 2 years. A certificate of completion will be awarded at the conclusion of the program. We accept students for Fall admittance only.
Applications for Fall 2025 are now closed
The Academic Year program follows 黑料网 Chapel Hill鈥檚 . The dates for Fall 2025 are August 17th, 2025 鈥� December 3rd, 2025.
Our Purpose
To develop听inclusive post-secondary education听for individuals with听intellectual and developmental disabilities听that benefits from the premier teaching, research, and service conducted throughout the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.听听
Our Goals
- To听support听faculty, staff,听and student听knowledge surrounding听disability as part of the campus culture, ultimately advancing diversity and equity in higher education听
- To听support the HEELS UP student听in听designing and implementing听their own person-centered plan, based on personal strengths, aspirations, and interests听
- To听support the HEELS UP students to听gain skills and access to achieve听their听self-determined听life
Contact Brianne Tomaszewski or Anna Ward for more information.听