VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – Valley City State University (VCSU) is launching a new program to provide pathways for students with intellectual disabilities to succeed in higher education.

The VCSU program, Viking Pathway, is being developed through partnership with Minot State University and the ND Inclusive Model Pathway for College and Career Training (IMPCCT) Consortium. The IMPCCT Consortium will help VCSU develop pathways for students with intellectual disabilities transition to higher education and succeed. This includes providing programs that focus on academic, independent living, socialization, self-determination, and integrated work experiences.

Staff from Minot State’s IMPCCT program traveled to VCSU during July to offer training and officially sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support training program faculty. VCSU faculty Vice President for Academic Affairs Larry Brooks, Heather Peschel and Janna Kohler attended the training.

“This program will provide the framework to help students with intellectual disabilities succeed at VCSU,” Brooks said. “We are excited for this program to create more opportunities for future students and increase their success in the workforce.”

After students have completed the program, they receive a meaningful credential to take into the workforce or they may elect to pursue additional education and training.