Inclusive Futures Program

Inclusive Futures Program Inclusive Futures Program

The Inclusive Futures Program (IFP) is a two-year, 55-hour non-degree undergraduate certificate program designed to empower students with intellectual disabilities. Upon completion, students earn the Inclusive Life Skills and Career Development Certificate. This program offers inclusive education to promote personal independence and achieve gainful employment.

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Application closed until fall 2025

Our Mission

The Inclusive Futures Program (IFP) is a comprehensive postsecondary education program for individuals with intellectual disability in Southeast North Carolina. The program is designed to provide an inclusive opportunity for participants to continue their education, increase independence and self-determination, and achieve competitive employment through evidence-based practices and community partnerships.

Empower Your Independence

The Inclusive Futures Program (IFP) helps students with intellectual disabilities develop independent living skills, create personalized plans for their goals, and explore career interests through internships and courses. Join us to enhance your independence and career prospects!

Independent Living

Person Centered Planning

Career Development

During our program, students will work on increasing their levels of independent living. They will work on life skills focused on, but not limited to, transportation, budgeting, financial literacy, meal preparation, navigation around campus, and other independent living skills.

Students will be involved in creating a plan based on their needs and strengths to guide them on their respective living, academic, and career development goals.

Throughout our program, the student will identify and explore career interests and be able to identify the basic requirements to enter their profession of interest. They will also have opportunities to learn about their prospective careers through internships and take courses around those interests, like other current UNCW students.

Inclusive Learning

Students enrolled in the Inclusive Futures Program will audit inclusive classes at UNCW. The coursework provides ample opportunities to access inclusive college life at UNCW and earn successful competitive employment upon completion.

A learning contract between the student, staff, and instructor will identify the student's responsibilities. To earn their certificate, the student must meet all course standards and qualifications.

Certificate

To earn a certificate, each enrolled student must complete 55 credit hours over a two-year period. The credit hours are composed of a foundational curriculum core, similar to the first two years of college.

Students must also meet requirements in other subject areas to receive a well-balanced education. Required credit hours include career development credits specific to the program and a required semester-long internship. This career portion will take two semesters to complete.

Curriculum (55 hours)

Foundational Curriculum Core Courses (22 credits)