University of North Texas 
Program Description
UNT ELEVAR (Empower, Learn, Excel, enVision, Advance, Rise) is a four-year inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual
disabilities (ID). Following the definition of the program’s name, ELEVAR [lift, soar,
rise, in Spanish], the program’s vision is to empower young adults with ID who wish
to continue postsecondary education (PSE) to become self-determined, independent,
and healthy adults readied for integrated competitive employment. Most importantly,
the UNT ELEVAR program welcomes young adults with ID to be part of the Mean Green
family experience. UNT ELEVAR has been approved as a Comprehensive Transition Program
through the U.S. Department of Education accreditation. For more information about the UNT ELEVAR program, please contact us at elevar@unt.edu or 940-369-8563, and sign up for our newsletter here.
Highlights
- 2023 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Star Award Recipient
- Most Inclusive Post-Secondary Education program in Texas
- 10-12 Students per Cohort (per year)
- 66% of course enrollment is in inclusive traditional courses
- Courses available from every college, spanning over 40 different disciplines
- Students complete the University Career Readiness course, required for all first-year students
- All internships and paid employment are completed in integrated competitive employment (inclusive) settings
- 90% of students have paid employment
Program Activities
- UNT courses for zero-credit (non-degree seeking) focusing on career interests
- Inclusive internships on campus & community focusing on competitive employment
- Participation in traditional college activities with UNT students
- UNT ELEVAR Classes: designed for their needs (life skills, financial literacy, career planning, health & wellness)
Need & Impact
UNT ELEVAR is part of an international trend of post- secondary education for
young adults with intellectual/ developmental disabilities. It addresses a significant
social problem: inclusive education is widely available for children with disabilities
in PK-12 level, but there are few educational opportunities after high school.
UNT ELEVAR not only provides these opportunities for an underrepresented population, but it supports them in pursuing a career of their choice building on skills necessary to pursue a competitive job, live independently, and continue to be part of a larger, inclusive community.
It also provides a larger impact to the students, faculty, and staff at UNT and the surrounding communities in broadening their perceptions through inclusive experiences.
Finally, partnerships with on- campus and local organizations, school districts, and employers, extend on the importance of diversity in the workforce.
UNT ELEVAR not only provides these opportunities for an underrepresented population, but it supports them in pursuing a career of their choice building on skills necessary to pursue a competitive job, live independently, and continue to be part of a larger, inclusive community.
It also provides a larger impact to the students, faculty, and staff at UNT and the surrounding communities in broadening their perceptions through inclusive experiences.
Finally, partnerships with on- campus and local organizations, school districts, and employers, extend on the importance of diversity in the workforce.
Think College highlights why Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Programs around the country are benefical for all students featuring ELEVAR.
Admissions Information
The UNT ELEVAR program is designed to serve young adults with intellectual disabilities of at least 18 years of age, who have completed high school with or without a high school diploma, and who received services through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), been served by IDEA, or completed an alternate assessment portfolio. The application is open from October 1, 2024 and will close on December 6, 2024 for the 2025-2026 cohort. Apply here! For more information, visit our Admission Information page.
Information Sessions and Family Resources
To learn more about the UNT ELEVAR program please attend one of our Open Houses (see Events for more information). In this virtual or in person open house, we share more about the program, admission process, housing, and all other components of our inclusive post-secondary education program. To visit UNT, please schedule a tour with UNT admissions at https://tours.unt.edu.
RESOURCES: Middle school and High school students interested in pursuing and experiencing a college career can prepare early on! Here is a great website from our Think College partners: Click Here.
Supporting the UNT ELEVAR Program
Spreading the word about the inclusive options and possibilities for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is a great way to support the program. Your gift will empower students with intellectual disabilities to become more independent and prepared for competitive employment. To give, please visit our official GIVING page.