This Spring & Fall we are offering a variety of open houses to learn more about the RAM Initiative.
The RAM Initiative application is now available for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Find more information in our Announcements section

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Real Achievement Matters
(RAM) Initiative

Inclusive Post-Secondary Education for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities at West Chester University of PA

The RAM Initiative is a program at West Chester University, bringing students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), ages 18-24, to campus in very small numbers, to participate in a two-year inclusive post-secondary education experience. In the inclusive RAM program students learn and interact with all students, faculty, staff, and administrators on campus, not in segregated environments. The students take classes on either For Credit or an Audit basis and have a non-traditional application/admissions process. Students in the RAM Initiative are full-time students, have full privileges of the university, and are eligible for Pell Grants and Federal Financial Work Study programs (if financially eligible by filling out a FASFA form).

 

Who:

Students with IDD are those who “have significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behaviors which covers many everyday social and practical skills” (AAIDD, 2017). These students come to the college experience without a traditional academic diploma, nor standardized test scores. We focus on students whose ages are between 18 and 24 as of the first day of the Fall semester of classes that they begin the program. These students have completed at least 4 years of high school and have been in Special Education and have had an Individualized Education Program during their school years.

Larry, Brian, and John

Vision

Provide inclusive post-secondary education to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to acquire skills leading to a more independent life.

Goals

  • Develop students who are empowered, employable and have career aspirations
  • Develop students who are self-learners and life-long learners
  • Develop students who are socially effective, healthy, and happy
  • Develop students who have social communication skills and have a high participation level in their community

Why should WCU?

The university has a history of supporting marginalized and underrepresented groups. As stated in our university mission we are a vibrant community that values its members, and we can offer a campus climate of acceptance. WCU is the flagship institution of the PA State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). This pattern of excellence will continue and is applied to the recruitment, training, and retention of high-quality peer mentors for students who participate in RAM Initiative. We have vibrant professional preparation programs in special education, social work, psychology, communication disorders, and adapted physical activity, whose students regularly participate in community-based engagement programs with individuals who have IDD. We draw upon high quality peer mentors, supportive faculty, and staff to enrich our program.

 

RAM Initiative Announcements

 

  • RAM Initiative Open Houses

    RAM Initiative will be hosting an open house this Spring 2025 semester on Friday, April 25th, 2025, from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm. This even will provide prospective students the opportunity to tour campus, learn more information about the program, and meet some current students and peer mentors. This event is for individual students as well as high school classes. Please RSVP if you plan on attending! You will be emailed with additional information about the open house.

  • RAM Initiative Application

    The application period for the RAM Initiative program is currently closed for the 2025-2026 academic year. However, applications will be accepted during the Fall 2025 semester for prospective students who are interested in applying for the 2026-2027 academic year. Please check back at the start of the Fall 2025 semester for the application and submission requirements.

  • Peer Mentors

    Are you currently a student at West Chester University and interested in joining the RAM Initiative as a peer mentor? Peer mentors support current students in the RAM Initiative by attending classes, scheduling structured study halls, and engaging in social events. This is a great volunteer experience, an internship opportunity, or an option for Federal Work Study students. If you're interested, please complete the application below!

    RAM Initiative Peer Mentor Application
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A group of woman staged in front of Philips.

A student with her arm around a football player.

A woman at Commencement holding her diploma up with one hand.

Three people sitting on a bench. The middle man is holding a laptop the woman and man (students) are looking at the laptop screen.

WCU RAM Initiative Staff:

Colleen Commisso, Faculty Co-Director

Dawn Patterson, Faculty Co-Director

Tabetha Adkins, Dean, University College

Faculty and Staff of the RAM Initiative Alliance (advocates)

Supported by DREAM Partnership and the WCU Foundation

Contact RAM Initiative

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