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HEELS UP

HEELS UP is an inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) program that offers students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) an immersive and inclusive college opportunity. HEELS UP students also participate in social/recreational opportunities on campus alongside other UNC students. IPSE programs are associated with improved adult life outcomes in areas such as self-determination/self-advocacy, community participation, independent living, and employment. Students are supported to pursue their goals for adult life through an individualized, person-centered plan and 1:1 coaching.

In addition to HEELS UP Summer, we are now also offering HEELS UP Academic Year!

 

Program Details

HEELS UP Summer: 6 – 10 eligible HEELS UP students audit one Summer Session II course at UNC Chapel Hill based on their career and/or personal interests. A certificate of completion will be awarded at the conclusion of the program. Applications will open on this page in January 2025.

The Summer program follows UNC Chapel Hill’s academic calendar. The dates for Summer Session II 2025 June 23rd, 2025 – July 24th, 2025.

HEELS UP Student Orientation will be held the week of June 16th, 2025.

Format of Delivery: Audited classes may be in-person or online depending on the course selected, with in-person coaching, goal planning and social opportunities on campus.

Eligibility: Must be 18-26 years old with documentation indicating intellectual and/or developmental disability. Applicants should be seeking a well-rounded college experience that results in a certificate of completion (not a degree).

Staffing: Small group coaching and peer supports will be provided based on individual support needs.

Apply:

Dates for UNC Summer Session II: June 23rd – July 24th, 2025.
Student Orientation will be held the week of June 16th.

Apply for Summer 2025 HERE

Summer applications are due online, February 20, at 11:59PM. 

 

 

 

HEELS UP Academic Year: Students audit 1 – 3 courses per semester at UNC Chapel Hill based on their career and/or personal interests for a minimum of 2 years. A certificate of completion will be awarded at the conclusion of the program. We accept students for Fall admittance only.Applications for Fall 2025 are now closed

Apply for the Fall 2025 program HERE.

The Academic Year program follows UNC Chapel Hill’s academic calendar. The dates for Fall 2025 are August 17th, 2025 – December 3rd, 2025.

 

Our Purpose

To develop inclusive post-secondary education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that benefits from the premier teaching, research, and service conducted throughout the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  

Our Goals

  • To support faculty, staff, and student knowledge surrounding disability as part of the campus culture, ultimately advancing diversity and equity in higher education 
  • To support the HEELS UP student in designing and implementing their own person-centered plan, based on personal strengths, aspirations, and interests 
  • To support the HEELS UP students to gain skills and access to achieve their self-determined life

Contact Brianne Tomaszewski, brianne_tomaszewski@med.unc.edu or Anna Ward, anna.ward@cidd.unc.edu for more information.