Washington State University is continuing to break new ground in inclusive education.
The WSU ROAR program has been awarded a transformative $2.48 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities — creating pathways that didn’t exist before.
Building bridges from high school to career
The five-year Transition Postsecondary Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) grant will fund WSU ROAR Pathways, a comprehensive initiative that supports students from high school through college and into their careers. “This award allows us to build something truly transformative,” said Marcus Poppen, associate professor of special education and lead investigator.
The expansion introduces three game-changing components: Ready to ROAR offers high school students a summer college preview experience, WSU ROAR Advance provides a two-year program for advanced academic or career training, and WSU ROAR Beyond creates structured post-graduation support focused on employment and independent living.
Expanding access across the Pacific Northwest
WSU ROAR Director Kristi Tippett calls this award “a lifeline for inclusive postsecondary education in the Pacific Northwest.”
The program will expand from serving 30 students to reaching many more, while creating stronger on-ramps for younger students and enhanced support for graduates. This expansion reflects years of collaborative work by dedicated faculty, staff, and community partners. From academic coordinators to employment coaches, peer allies to university departments, this network ensures students have meaningful opportunities across campus and beyond.
A vision realized
The WSU ROAR Pathways initiative represents more than program expansion — it’s about changing futures.
By providing comprehensive support from high school exploration through post-graduation employment, WSU is creating a model that responds directly to needs students and families have voiced for years. This federal investment recognizes WSU’s leadership in inclusive education and positions the university to strengthen opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities across the entire region.
The collaborative grant proposal, led by WSU faculty Marcus Poppen, Holly Whittenburg, Don McMahon, Anya Sheftel, Josh Taylor and Kristi Tippett, reflects the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences’ focus on community and belonging.
The effort is supported by the full WSU ROAR team and university and community partners, whose collaboration helps ensure meaningful academic, social, employment and independent living opportunities for students.
