Vandal QUEST (Quality University Experiences to Support Transition) is an inclusive post-secondary transition program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the University of Idaho. Vandal QUEST provides a college experience that empowers students, improves employability skills, fosters academic achievement, builds meaningful social connections, and delivers personalized training. Vandal QUEST students immerse into campus life and engage in a variety of work experiences to support their achievement of personal goals related to employment, independent living, and social engagement.

Vandal QUEST students are enrolled alongside traditionally-enrolled peers in courses offered university-wide and take QUEST-specific courses designed to develop employment skills. Students also engage in work internships in a variety of settings and receive support from QUEST and University of Idaho staff and students, including undergraduate students. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to earn a university-recognized Career and Community Studies Certificate and industry recognized SkillStack® badges.

Dr. Andrew Scheef

Director, QUEST
ascheef@uidaho.edu

Dru Zolman

Competitive Integrated Employment Specialist, QUEST
dzolman@uidaho.edu

The PEERS (Providing Exceptional Education and Raising Standards) program is a post-secondary education opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Boise State University. PEERS offers an inclusive college experience centered on academic growth, social connection, and individualized support. Students involved in PEERS are active participants in campus life, building confidence and community through their program. The PEERS program includes paid or unpaid employment - on campus or in the community - for at least six hours per week in the students’ second, third, and fourth years.

Throughout the program, students are supported by staff and other students, including Boise State University undergraduate students who provide academic assistance, job coaching, and friendship. Students typically complete the program in two years, with the option to extend to three or four years based on their goals and progress. Upon completion, students earn a Certificate in Community and Career Readiness Studies that is approved by Boise State University and the Idaho State Board of Education. The program is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Comprehensive Transition Program.

Dr. Jeremy Ford

Director, PEERS
jwford@boisestate.edu

Kathy De Leon

Competitive Integrated Employment Specialist, PEERS
kathryndeleon@boisestate.edu

SPARC (Students and Professionals Accessing Resources in the Community) is a postsecondary transition program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, aged 18 through 21, at Lewis-Clark State College. SPARC offers an immersive college experience that empowers students to achieve their goals. As one of the ECLIPSE project sites in Idaho, the SPARC program teaches students key skills that lead to independence, competitive integrated employment, personal success, and fulfillment of life goals. SPARC’s purpose is to provide students with disabilities a variety of resources and activities to create a path of success and independence for their future.

SPARC serves students who are dually enrolled in the Lewiston School District and is housed on the Lewis-Clark State College campus, allowing students to participate in collegiate experiences and practice real-life skills. SPARC students routinely use the campus gym, library, classrooms, computer labs, and attend campus events. Students also engage in work internships in a variety of settings, receiving support from SPARC, the college, and other undergraduate students. The SPARC curriculum encompasses vocational training, career development, social skills support, recreation and leisure activities, and skills for achieving personal independence. A student’s time in the program is individualized based on their strengths, preferences, interests, and needs.

Lindsey McKinney

Competitive Integrated Employment Specialist, SPARC
lnmckinney@lcsc.edu

Lindsey McKinney

Competitive Integrated Employment Specialist, SPARC
lnmckinney@lcsc.edu

EAGLE (Empowering Achievement, Growth, Learning, and Employment) is a two-year inclusive post-secondary education opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the College of Southern Idaho. EAGLE offers an inclusive college experience centered on career development, academic growth, social connection, independent living, and individualized support.  Students involved in EAGLE are active participants in campus life, building confidence and community through the program. The EAGLE program includes paid or unpaid employment experiences on campus or in the community after completion of the first semester.  

EAGLE students are supported by staff and other traditionally-enrolled college students who provide academic assistance, job coaching, friendship, and mentorship. They are enrolled in courses alongside traditionally-enrolled peers in college-wide courses and participate in EAGLE-specific courses designed to develop employment and independent living skills.   The goal of the program is for participants to develop the skills necessary to join the workforce in competitive integrative employment working toward a career of their choice. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to earn an Integrative Career Studies Certificate and industry recognized SkillStack® badges. 

Ronnie DeFord

Competitive Integrated Employment Specialist, EAGLE
rdeford@csi.edu

Ronnie DeFord

Competitive Integrated Employment Specialist, EAGLE
rdeford@csi.edu