Auburn University received a $442,809 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education under the Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities into Higher Education program (CFDA 84.407), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The award supports the development and implementation of "The ENGAGE Project," a comprehensive framework designed to deliver wraparound services for students with intellectual disabilities pursuing higher education at Auburn University. Wraparound services typically encompass integrated academic, social, residential, and career support to facilitate successful transition and inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities into campus life and postsecondary education pathways.
As a required element of TPSID (Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities) funding, Auburn University's program will establish partnerships with local educational agencies and likely incorporate vocational rehabilitation services, campus housing integration, and involvement of special education and related-field students in program delivery. The one-year project period positions The ENGAGE Project to generate evidence-based practices and serve as a demonstration model for institutions seeking to expand inclusive, high-quality transition and postsecondary programming for this student population, consistent with the federal program's emphasis on supporting model comprehensive transition programs that promote successful integration of students with intellectual disabilities into higher education environments.