Program Details

The ultimate goal of this program is to equip students to obtain better employment options. Lipscomb has many community partners that provide a variety of internships and job training opportunities for IDEAL students. Students begin in their first semester with on-campus internships. These placements are sought once the career goals are identified for each student. The goal is to scaffold necessary skills so the student is always learning and practicing skills that will benefit him in his future job placement. Students are placed in off-campus internships in their second year of the program. The students' job interests and abilities are matched with available openings. Students complete at least four work experiences to include on their resumes upon completion of the program as a result of these on-campus and off-campus internships.

Students audit (or take for credit) two academic classes per semester based on their interests and career goals, such as art, theater, music, science, IT, nutrition, health, education, early childhood studies, and/or Bible. The program director and faculty advisor work with university faculty to determine which classes meet the interests and abilities of IDEAL students. The program director also works with the instructor to create an individual learning plan that identifies any necessary accommodations to the syllabi or course material. Students have the option of completing all of the course work and/or tests or any quantity of the work that meets their individual goals.

Lipscomb’s campus is safe and secure, as well as small and easy to navigate. IDEAL students are allowed access to on-campus clubs and organizations, including Best Buddies, which is already an active club on campus. Students have memberships to the Student Activity Center, receive a login for on-campus computers and use a Lipscomb email address. IDEAL students have the opportunity to live on Lipscomb's campus.

Many students with ID/DD need assistance with independent living skills that will help them be better employees and give them the option to live independently. Each IDEAL student takes two classes per semester that teach these skills. Skills may be in the areas of technology, banking, cooking, cleaning, shopping, hygiene, social skills, self-awareness, safety, and self-advocacy. Classes are taught by the program staff, Lipscomb faculty, or students in programs related to a field of study (education, psychology, nursing etc.)

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to monitor their own progress, make choices about classes and leisure activities, and interact with faculty to meet their own needs. Students learn to make a resume, look for jobs, use public transportation, and manage their own time. The goal is that the students will be as independent as possible when they leave the program.

Peer Mentors are an essential component of the program. Lipscomb students serve as peer mentors to the students with ID/DD and accompany them to meals, chapel, and the gym. They also help them study and organize their course materials. Volunteers are matched based on expertise, desires and their individual class schedules. 

Ultimately, IDEAL helps to bridge the gap between high school and adulthood for every student who participates in the program. Being more prepared for adulthood greatly enhances the IDEAL students' quality of life. Since a post-secondary experience is valuable on multiple levels for many citizens, Lipscomb strives to provide a program that will ensure that the IDEAL students will deeply value their college experience and everything gained from it.

Yes, any student who is unable to attend college as a traditional student and has a documented intellectual or developmental disability may apply.

The program costs $8,188 per semester, which includes academic coursework, internship and externship opportunities, technology and employment skills training, nutrition and exercise classes and on-campus social activities. The program fee does not include a meal plan.

Eating with friends in the dining hall is a crucial part of the college experience. As such, we recommend that all IDEAL students purchase lunch each day in the Bennett Student Center. The most economical and convenient method for students to purchase meals on campus is through the Bison Cash program which is loaded on the student's account in increments of $25 and allows students to use their student ID as a debit card. More comprehensive meal plans may be purchased at a rate of approximately $2,500/semester. Please check the academic catalog for updated rates and options.

Currently, your son/daughter may seek the Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship provided by lottery funds (equivalent to the Hope Scholarship). In addition, your son/daughter may qualify for federal Pell grants, as IDEAL has been approved as a Comprehensive Transition Program with the Department of Education. Both scholarships require the student to submit the FAFSA. Additional resources regarding how to pay for college can be found at  Affordable Colleges Online: College Guide for Students with Disabilities.

Each student will earn a certificate of completion and university transcript that includes the courses and internships completed.

Quarterly data will be taken on each student, as well as input gathered from professors and supervisors. Progress reports will be shared with the students and parents at the end of each semester.

Up to ten (10) students are accepted each year.

IDEAL students receive support from program staff, university faculty and staff, and fellow Lipscomb students. IDEAL participants are assigned student mentors who accompany the IDEAL students to meals, exercise classes, social activities, to and from internship sites and academic courses. The program staff work with faculty to modify course content as appropriate, and IDEAL students have access to peer tutors through the Academic Success Center, just like every other Lipscomb student.