Colleges report growth in IDD programs, new online cohorts and expanded pathways

Multiple council members used the campus‑update agenda period to describe program growth, new cohorts and service innovations.

Sue Marasca of Houston City College said VAST Academy has expanded to six locations, added three new sites in the past year and now serves "well over 200 students" across VAST and related pathways. She noted the addition of a pathways bridge‑to‑careers initiative and that some students receive Pell grants; program staff are also piloting success‑coaching and transition supports funded through a foundation grant.

BobcatRise and other programs reported new cohorts, a $25,000 gift to seed scholarships and plans for graduation ceremonies for students completing their first cohort. Nina Zuna of UT Austin’s e4 Texas said the program is recruiting for 2027–28 and will hold an open house on Oct. 11. Christine Price of Austin Community College reported starting a summer class and renewed contracts for expanded campus locations but noted a dip in TWC funding ("We had 54% of our students funded this fall by TWC"), affecting planning and enrollment counts.

Several members emphasized that online cohorts have removed geographic barriers and that some programs waive out‑of‑district or out‑of‑state fees for IPSE/CTP participants, making it easier to serve students beyond campus boundaries.

Next steps: Members suggested adding program expansion, enrollment‑count methodology and TWC funding implications to future agendas so the council can discuss implications ahead of the legislative session.