Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Regional Alliances

The Think College Inclusive Higher Education Network is supporting the development of IPSE regional alliances across the country to support efforts and interests related to inclusive postsecondary education for students with intellectual disability.

Regional alliances promote access to quality inclusive postsecondary education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their region through a shared focus on collaboration through program development, research, and public policy. A region consists of two or more neighboring states that may have similar demographic or political characteristics.

News & Features

Update on National Network of Regional Alliances

Discover the collaborative efforts of Think College Inclusive Higher Education Network and regional alliances in a pre-conference for inclusive higher education planning. Insights into emerging alliances' progress and challenges shape a nationwide initiative. ...Read more

Regional Alliances: Making Connections for Inclusive Higher Ed

Explore the details of the Think College Network’s involvement in regional alliances by visiting the new webpage. ...Read more

REGIONAL INCLUSIVE POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONS

There are currently four established regional alliances, and three more in development as of April, 2024.

Southeast Postsecondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA): Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

Midwest Post Secondary Inclusive Alliance logo The Midwest Inclusive Post Secondary Alliance (MIPSA): Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska

Great Lakes Postsecondary Education Alliance (GLIPSEA): Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin

Northwest Inclusive Postsecondary Education Alliance (NWIPSEA): Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington

REGIONAL ALLIANCES IN DEVELOPMENT  

Upper Midwest Inclusive Postsecondary Education Alliance (Upper Midwest): North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming.
Email HDCentral@umn.edu

Northeast Inclusive Postsecondary Education Alliance (NEPSEA): Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Rhode Island)
Email northeastpsea@gmail.com for more information

Red River Higher Education Alliance (RRHEA): Oklahoma, Texas 
Email redriverhea@gmail.com for more information 

Mid-Atlantic Regional Alliance: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
Email mida4ihe@gmail.com for more information.

The Think College Inclusive Higher Education network is working throughout the country to support the establishment of regional alliances related to inclusive postsecondary education. To learn more, reach out to thinkcollegeihen@umb.edu

Supports for Regional Alliance Development

Strategic planning

Our team can support you throughout the strategic planning process- from establishing your mission and vision to identifying goals and actions plans for deliverables. Individualized support will be offered to developing alliances and continues throughout each phase. This is offered in monthly technical assistance meetings and during annual capacity building institutes.

Coaching

Regional alliance leaders will receive one-on-one coaching from members of our team to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to lead their alliance. Monthly meetings with Think College Network staff includes meeting preparation, progress review, and a space to brainstorm new initiatives.

Funding

The Think College Inclusive Higher Education Network is funding the establishment of new regional alliances. Regional alliance planning teams have been established across the country and are working on implementation plans in collaboration with established regional alliances.

Capacity Building Institutes

We are partnering with the State of the Art Conference to offer Capacity Building Institutes to support developing regional alliances.

Other Technical Assistance

We have a team of professionals waiting to help you start or join a regional alliance! Please contact Susanna Miller-Raines at susanna.millerraines@umb.edu for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IPSE Regional Alliance?

Who can be members of an IPSE regional alliance?

Existing regional alliances include representatives from IPSE programs in the region as well as other interested parties such as local school districts, parents and students, representatives from community agencies such as Vocational Rehabilitation, and higher education faculty and administrators. Membership can be open to anyone with an interest in working collaboratively to strengthen the postsecondary education options for students with ID in the region through program improvement and growth, as well as policy and advocacy efforts.

What are the benefits of an IPSE regional alliance?

Regional access to professional development opportunities, allowing for easier access and reduced costs.
Cross-state collaborations that can address similar issues that affect your region.
Public policy support on policies that may impact the region.
Engage in research amongst regional participants to better understand programming and policy needs.
A community of colleagues and allies in the field to consult with.