During a recent meeting of the North Dakota House Appropriations - Education and Environment Division, significant discussions centered around funding and support for Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) programs across the state. The North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities (NDCPD) highlighted the critical role of grant funding from the Department of Education, which currently supports various educational initiatives but does not fully cover the infrastructure costs needed for these programs.

The NDCPD emphasized that while students enrolled in these programs are responsible for tuition and other fees, the outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive. Over the past four years, several colleges, including Bismarck State College and Dakota College, have expressed interest in developing IPSE programs, although some have had to pause due to financial constraints. The committee was informed that Minot State University’s IPSE program remains stable, with a capacity of 20 students, currently serving between 15 and 18.

The discussion also touched on the financial requirements to run these programs, which can range from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on the program's size. The NDCPD is currently seeking state funding to expand these initiatives, stressing the importance of these programs in providing opportunities for students with disabilities to thrive in a college environment.

Elizabeth Romonick, a graduate of Minot State University and a person with Down syndrome, passionately advocated for continued funding, sharing her personal experiences and the transformative impact of college on students with disabilities. Her testimony underscored the need for financial support to ensure that all students have access to higher education and the chance to participate fully in campus life.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the importance of inclusive education and the need for sustained investment to support these vital programs across North Dakota's universities. As the NDCPD prepares to apply for continued federal funding, the outcomes of this meeting may influence future appropriations and the expansion of IPSE programs statewide.