Inclusive Higher Education Solutions

Inclusive Higher Education Solutions (IHES) expands access to meaningful college experiences by advancing academic and community inclusion for all students at MSU Denver. Housed within the School of Education’s Office of Education Solutions, IHES operates as a self-funded social enterprise committed to student success, belonging, and equitable participation for both neurodivergent and neurotypical learners.

IHES offers individualized, strength-based supports that promote academic success, independence, social connection, and preparation for fulfilling careers and engaged community lives. Guided by the belief that motivation, not exclusion, should define access to higher education, IHES provides inclusive coursework, coaching, career development, and supported campus engagement opportunities.

IHES serves all MSU Denver students through a range of supports, including for-credit elective courses such as:

• Academic Success
• Employment Awareness, Acquisition, and Retention
• Executive Function Coaching
• Student-Centered Planning I & II
• Self-Advocacy

In addition, IHES offers private executive function coaching for students seeking to strengthen study skills, organization, time management, and effective learning strategies.

For motivated students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), IHES offers Inclusive Support Services (ISS), a comprehensive, fully inclusive program that enables students to pursue postsecondary education alongside their peers. ISS students enroll as MSU Denver students and receive individualized academic modifications and support while participating fully in campus life.

Through four pillars – academics, social engagement, career development, and independent living – ISS students work toward the MSU Denver Inclusive Higher Education Certificate, gain real-world work experience, and build self-advocacy and life skills.

The benefits of inclusive higher education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities are well established.  Those who participate in inclusive higher education experience better employment outcomes and enhanced independent living skills, leading to reduced reliance on government assistance. Students with IDD who finish higher education have a 67% employment rate across the country. This is much higher than the 30% rate for students who don’t have these opportunities. Additionally, students in our program report greater satisfaction with their social lives and living situations.

Together, IHES and ISS create an inclusive college pathway that empowers students to thrive at MSU Denver and beyond.

Have you ever wondered whether college might be the right next step for you? Are you curious about higher education programs that can support your unique goals and learning needs? At Inclusive Higher Education Solutions (IHES) at Metropolitan State University of Denver, we offer tailored solutions and supportive resources designed to help you explore your options and find the path that fits you best.

Why Choose College?

“This program is awesome. It exceeds any expectation I ever had. I cannot believe [Student’s] level of buy-in. Thank you!” – Family member of IHES student

College is an exciting opportunity for growth and independence. It marks a critical transition from a structured environment driven by parents and teachers to a place where you are responsible for your learning journey. Every student on a college campus faces the challenge of balancing newfound freedom with added responsibilities.

You will navigate important life changes as you move from being a dependent young person to a more independent, capable adult ready to contribute to your community. The skills you develop during this time will support your independence in both your community and the workplace.

Connect with Inclusive Higher Education Solutions to discuss the accommodations, modifications, and support systems you need to achieve your goals—whether they relate to academics, organization, study skills, self-advocacy, communication, employment, or building social connections.

What is Inclusive Support Services (ISS)?

“I’m so happy right now. Success to get some weather station data today. Hard work pays off. I’ve never been happier. It feels like a dream come true.” – Inclusive Support Services Meteorology Student

Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Inclusive Support Services (ISS) is an inclusive, four-year certificate program designed to provide students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) a meaningful and enriching postsecondary educational experience on a vibrant campus.

We achieve inclusion through 4 pillars of support:

Academics

• ISS students are full MSU Denver students taking academic courses with their peers. Students will not be attending “special” classes that only include people with intellectual disabilities.
• Academic expectations are individualized, and course requirements are modified.
• Students earn an MSU Denver Inclusive Higher Education Certificate upon completion of the ISS program.

Social engagement

• Students participate in on-campus activities, including extracurricular activities, sporting events, dances, concerts, clubs, and plays.
• Friendships are formed via shared interests and activities.

Career development

• Students take courses in their area of career interest.
• ISS students participate in a career development course each semester starting their sophomore year
• Students participate in work experiences and internships on and off campus after meeting employment criteria

Independent living

• Students identify and work toward building independent living skills as defined by their student-centered planning goals.
• Students learn to use public transportation and ride sharing apps.
• Students learn self-advocacy and self-determination through informed choice.

ISS offers a wide range of supports and resources, including student mentors, study halls, and supported access to the same MSU Denver support services, campus activities, social events, and student clubs as all students. These supports aim not only to assist students in achieving academic success but also to promote personal development and establish social bonds.

Through involvement in various events and activities, students have the opportunity to develop lasting friendships and learn important life skills that will benefit them long after graduation.

The main goal of Inclusive Support Services (ISS) is to help young adults with IDD achieve successful, independent lives. This means supporting students in securing competitive, integrated employment, building vital life skills, strengthening their academic abilities, and becoming active, engaged members of their communities.

MSU Denver’s Inclusive Support Services stand out because our students take the same courses as all MSU Denver students, not exclusive classes for those with disabilities.

MSU Denver’s Inclusive Support Services program is designed for motivated students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Is the IHES ISS program right for you? To ensure a good fit, we require each prospective student to complete an application packet. Here are the minimal requirements for admission:

• Age: You must be 18 years of age or older
• Disability Documentation: Have a documented intellectual or developmental disability.
• Motivation: Show a desire to pursue education, employment, and life experiences in a postsecondary setting.
• High School Diploma: You have accepted your high school diploma.
• Application: Complete the IHES application process.
• Independently manages all personal care needs, such as mobility, medication, toileting, and eating, or provides their own personal assistant.
• Learning Readiness: Demonstrate the ability to learn independently in classroom and work environments.
• Class Participation: Be able to participate in 90-minute college classes and function independently for 2-hour periods in various settings.
• Assignment Completion: Complete modified assignments with gradually fading support.
• Campus Navigation: Navigate a college campus independently after initial training.
• Adaptability: Adjusts to and handles changes effectively.
• Behavioral Standards: Demonstrate no behaviors or issues that violate the MSU Denver Student Code of Conduct .
• Active Participation: Agree to actively participate in coursework, homework, and/or assessments related to academics, adaptive skills, employment, and independence.
• Employment Training: Be successful in employment training with gradually fading support.
• Sharing Progress:  Agree to share your story and progress with the community (personal information will only be shared with prior approval).

As a student supported by IHES, you will be a full-time MSU Denver student, taking three or more credit-bearing courses each semester alongside your peers without disabilities. If you meet these requirements and are excited to join our IHES Inclusive Support Services, read on to learn about the application process.

To enroll in Inclusive Support Services, you’ll need to submit an Inclusive Support Services application, which includes personal and academic information, a writing sample, and a recommendation from a parent, teacher, and community member about your strengths and support needs. After submitting the online application, you will also need to provide your official high school transcript and documentation of your disability (your Individualized Education Program (IEP) is usually acceptable).

Once your application has been reviewed, the IHES committee will determine whether you are ready for the inclusive higher education experience and if our program can meet your needs. If selected, you’ll be invited for an interview to discuss your expectations and motivation for participating in this rewarding educational journey.

Upon acceptance to the ISS, you will receive a welcome letter and guidance through the enrollment process at MSU Denver, including assistance with financial aid, orientation, Access Center intake, initial student-centered planning, and course registration.

The benefits of inclusive higher education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are significant and well documented. Students who participate in inclusive college programs are more likely to secure meaningful employment and develop stronger independent living skills, reducing their reliance on government assistance over time. Nationally, students with IDD who complete a higher education program have an employment rate of 67%, compared to just 30% for those who do not have access to these opportunities.

Students in our program also report greater satisfaction with their social lives, reflecting the value of being part of a vibrant college community.

The anticipated outcomes for students participating in ISS are:

1. Competitive Integrated Employment – Students who complete the program will be well prepared for the world of work. They will develop job-seeking skills, participate in hands-on job training in authentic work environments, and build career-specific skills aligned with their chosen area of interest.
2. Socialization– Through participation in a fully inclusive college experience, students will strengthen interpersonal and communication skills that support success both in the workplace and in their social lives.
3. Self-esteem– Completing the coursework required for the MSU Denver Inclusive Higher Education credential helps students build confidence, pride in their accomplishments, and a stronger sense of self-esteem. We regularly check in on students’ growth through academic progress reviews and self-reflection activities so we can understand how the program is supporting them.

Throughout the program, students receive individualized support in academics, employment preparation, social connections, and community participation. This includes guidance from student mentors, advisors, and the Inclusive Higher Education Solutions team. As students move through the program, they are gradually encouraged to take on more responsibility and independence at a pace that feels supportive and appropriate. Families often see this growing independence extend beyond campus—into daily life, work experiences, and increased confidence in the community.

What will I do with help from IHES?

As an ISS student, you are expected to:

• Be on campus from at least 9:00 AM to 3:15 PM Monday-Thursday for classes and study halls. You may be on campus even longer, depending on your schedule.
• Take 3 or 4 courses per semester
• Work on your homework at home and receive support in the study hall as needed.
• Attend at least one organized social event or activity per month.
• Gain independence in skills including learning to use public transportation and apply adult living skills
  • Practice these skills at home and in the community.
• Learn self-determination and self-advocacy
• Practice pre-employment transition skills (Pre-ETS)
• Gain work experience through paid and unpaid jobs and internships
• Earn an MSU Denver Inclusive Higher Education Certificate in your major course of study

Walk at the MSU Denver graduation ceremony!

We’d love for you to explore MSU Denver! While Inclusive Higher Education Solutions doesn’t offer individual campus tours, you can visit anytime by making a reservation. If you’d like to connect with us during your visit, feel free to reach out to IHES to arrange a time to meet. We’re excited to help you discover all that MSU Denver has to offer!