Ensuring equitable access to higher education—including educational, social, and employment opportunities—is essential to empowering students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve greater independence and a sense of belonging in their communities. These students face significant barriers, including limited access to career and technical education programs, which hinders their ability to secure postsecondary credentials and employment. Addressing these challenges is key to unlocking their full potential and creating inclusive opportunities for success.
To bolster statewide inclusion efforts, the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) and the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) have been awarded a grant from the California Department of Education (CDE) to co-lead the California Center for Inclusive College (CCIC). Funded by a $2 million allocation from the California Budget Act of 2024, the grant will support the expansion of postsecondary programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Through the new program, SCOE and LACOE will enhance access to meaningful credentials and work experiences, support programs that integrate students with disabilities into campus life, and increase statewide awareness of inclusive practices. An advisory workgroup will also collaborate with existing inclusive college programs to promote innovation and share best practices across the state. SCOE and LACOE will partner with existing programs at California State University and University of California campuses, along with Think College, a national technical assistance center focused on inclusive college programs.
SCOE is committed to ensuring every student has an opportunity to realize their greatest potential, fostering inclusion and belonging to increase inclusive opportunities and learning for students with disabilities locally and statewide. Its focus is on students with extensive support needs, often served through its Special Education Programs. SCOE already hosts significant statewide projects as part of California’s System of Support continuous improvement strategy. These include the Alternative Pathway to a High School Diploma and support for families through California’s Family Empowerment Centers (backed by the Seeds of Partnership project).