Supported Higher Education Project Celebrates 2015 Graduates

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 17, 2015) — In May, the Supported Higher Education Project (SHEP) at the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute celebrated the graduations of three students across the Commonwealth.

Blake Hopkins, Alex Bonar and Silas Jones participated in graduation ceremonies at their respective college campuses and earned a credential or certificate in their course of study.

Prior to changes to the Higher Education Act in 2008, students with intellectual disabilities were denied access to post-secondary education, which is a natural progression for many high school graduates.

Through collaboration with Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, Spalding University and Bluegrass Community and Technical College comprehensive transition programs (CTP), as well as the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, SHEP works with and supports programs for students with intellectual disabilities. Each program is developed to meet the unique needs of students in these educational communities.

At Murray State University, Blake Hopkins shook hands with Governor Steve Beshear after walking across the stage to huge applause as the state’s first graduate of a CTP, earning a College to Career Experience certificate. 

Silas Jones earned a certificate in graphic arts from Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC). Although BCTC has a CTP program as well, Jones entered as a traditional student and received mentoring, employment assistance and other supports from SHEP.

Alex Bonar graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a College to Career certificate. NKU recently submitted an application to the United States Department of Education to become the fourth CTP site in Kentucky.  

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Harder, 859-323-2396, whitney.harder@uky.edu