Supported Education to Elevate Diversity (SEED) Scholars Program
Leonard Abbeduto, PhD, FAAIDD, UC Davis MIND Institute
In 2020, we launched the UC Davis Redwood Supported Education to Elevate Diversity (SEED) Scholars Program for adults with intellectual disability (ID). SEED is a 4-year non-degree college program that focuses on academics, health, social participation, life skills, and employment. SEED Scholars live in the dorms with degree-seeking undergraduates their first two years and then transition to on-campus apartments. Scholars take UC Davis classes and have internships on and off campus. The growth and achievements of these scholars have been inspiring and exceed what most of society expects of them.
Equally impressive are the changes the program has inspired on campus and beyond. Dozens of undergraduates serve as peer mentors, and these students leave knowing how and why it is important to support people with ID. Faculty in dozens of departments have welcomed SEED Scholars into their classes and learned about universal design and its benefits for all learners. Campus programs have provided internships and paid employment opportunities. Teachers and families are reaching out to learn how they can better prepare their students for the program. This is the only 4-year program with housing in California, but we are advocating for more. I encourage you to do the same where you live.