State Alliances

State alliances consist of a group of people and/or organizations in a particular state who work together toward a common goal in support of college opportunities for students with ID. At a minimum, an alliance can be a group of representatives from college programs. They can also include representatives from key state agencies, organizations, parents, alumni, and students.

State alliances help build community and momentum among inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs. Alliances connect state agencies and state-level constituents, create a learning community, offer more accessible professional development opportunities, and provide shared funding opportunities.

IPSE programs can work together on joint research and evaluation projects and pool resources and strategies. They can also share the responsibility for educating students, families, and educators about inclusive higher education. Alliances can help break down silos and get everyone involved on the same page when it comes to supporting college students with intellectual disability (ID). Through working together, a collective voice arises and makes change happen.

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Supports for States and 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 to ensure that you continue to meet your goals.

COACHING

State alliance conveners or 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.

OTHER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a state alliance?

State alliances consist of partners in the inclusive higher education landscape within a state. At a minimum, an alliance can be a group of representatives from IPSE programs. They can also include representatives from key state agencies (e.g., vocational rehabilitation, developmental disability, department of education), organizations, parents, alumni, and students.

Why form a state alliance? What are the benefits?

There can be many rewards from the work of state alliances, including state funding in the form of program support and/or student scholarships, or policy support for IPSE programs by vocational rehabilitation. State alliances also lead to more opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and an infrastructure to support the development of new IPSE programs.

Who should you include in your state alliance?

University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs)
Developmental Disability Councils/Governor’s Councils: These bring together a variety of groups, organizations, and agencies to address the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) and their families. They can also lobby the legislature.
Protection and Advocacy Organizations
State departments of education
Vocational rehabilitation agencies
State developmental disability agencies
State Assistive Technology Act programs
Parent organizations, such as Parent Information and Training Centers
Alumni from IPSE programs
Representatives from institutions of higher education/colleges and universities, both those with IPSE programs and those who are interested in starting a program

What steps have led to successful alliances?

Choose a coordinator/backbone organization
Invite others to join and identify some leaders (the leadership team)
Create a common vision for your state or region
Host quarterly or semi-annual meetings of the leadership team
Provide technical assistance to others
Host a statewide meeting with all constituents
Use an email mailing list or project management software to communicate and consider a method for regular, collaborative work (e.g., Teamwork, Microsoft Teams, Slack, MailChimp, Constant Contact)
Create a social media presence
Create a website

How can you get more assistance about developing or expanding a state alliance?

Contact Susanna Miller-Raines, Regional and State Alliance Manager for training and technical assistance.

Do you have any other questions?

Email us at ThinkCollegeTA@umb.edu