OVERVIEW

Students with intellectual disability (ID) are going to college in Colorado, and you can too! The IN!spiring Futures Mentorship Program (IN! FMP) connects students with ID and their families to peer mentors who can provide firsthand insight into life after high school. Through mentorship, participants build self-advocacy skills, strengthen goal-setting strategies, increase awareness of community resources and services, and gain confidence in navigating postsecondary opportunities and supports.

The 8-week IN! FMP includes a combination of in-person and virtual mentorship experiences. Students and their families will attend two in-person gatherings on a college campus. Students will participate in six virtual mentorship sessions. Each week, students will explore a transition-related topic in large and small groups, hear from peer mentors’ lived experience, and set goals for their own futures. At the same time, family members will have access to three virtual sessions facilitated by family mentors and focused on navigating critical transition resources.  

DETAILS 

The Inspiring Futures College Mentorship Program is open to:

• Students with intellectual disability (ID) and their families who are interested in exploring postsecondary pathways to college, employment, and independence. 
• Students between ages 16-25, including those enrolled in 18-21 programs.
• Colorado residents.

Key Dates:

• September 15: Applications Due 
• September 16-30: Applicant Coordination - IN! Staff will reach out to confirm applicant information, needed support for participation, and provide further details.
• October 1: In-person kickoff event @ MSU Denver + Campus Tour 
• October 8-November 12: Virtual Mentorship Sessions, Weekly on Thursdays 
• December 3: In-person celebration event @ Regis University + Campus Event

To Note: 

• All virtual mentorship sessions will be held on Thursday evenings (4-5pm for students & 5-6pm for families)
• In-person events will be facilitated at colleges in the Denver area and are optional for participants. Food will be provided, and access to transportation support is available. 
• Translation services and/or appropriate accommodations will be provided upon request. 

SCHEDULE & TOPICS

(optional) IN-PERSON KICKOFF EVENT: October 1, 5:00-6:30 pm @ MSU Denver

Join us for an in-person kickoff to the IN!spiring Futures Mentorship Program. Gather with fellow mentees and their families, IN! Staff and volunteers, and community partners to prepare for a meaningful semester of mentorship. We will go over the details and goals of mentorship and explore the MSU Denver campus. Dinner will be provided. 

STUDENT SESSIONS: Weekly sessions held virtually via Zoom on Thursdays from 4:00-5:00 pm

• Oct 8 - Employment & Education Pathways 
• Oct 15 - Independence & Wellbeing
• Oct 22 - Social & Community Participation 
• Oct 29 - Academics & College Readiness
• Nov 5 - Self-Advocacy & Determination
• Nov 12 - Person Centered Planning 

FAMILY SESSIONS: Sessions held virtually via Zoom on Thursdays from 5:00-6:00 pm

• Oct 15 - Presuming Competence & Knowing What’s Possible 
• Oct 29 - Connecting to Community Resources for Successful Transition 
• Nov 12 - Family Future Planning

(optional) IN-PERSON CELEBRATION EVENT: December 3, 5:00-6:30 pm @ Regis University

Reconnect with fellow mentees and their families, IN! Staff and volunteers, and community partners to share your person-centered plans and reflect on all that you have learned. Dinner will be provided, with a campus activity to follow. 

Questions? Reach out to IN!'s Program Manager, Shayna Laing: shayna@inclusivehighered.org, 720-485-9922