PASSWORDMANAGEMENT
About
The ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø Aspiring Scholars Program is a non-degree, four-year university program for students with intellectual disabilities seeking an inclusive
college experience. Students enrolled in this Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE)
program will learn alongside the ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø community and earn a higher education academic
and career studies certificate.This program is recognized as a
With the goal of competitive integrated employment, students will participate in the following:
- Academic courses
- Vocational internships
- Independent life skills seminars
- Campus-wide social activities
Aspiring Scholars Program Information Sessions & Campus Tours:
In-Person information sessions consist of a 1.5 overview of ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø and the Aspiring Scholars Program and a 1 hour walking tour of the campus. Arrive to the Campus Tours office by 10:15am. Please plan for additional time to find and pay for parking and the time to walk to the office. You must RSVP to attend.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 10:30am-1:00pm
Tuesday October 28, 2025 10:30am-1:00pm
Aspiring Scholars Virtual Zoom Informational Session:
Virtual information session consists of a 1 hour overview of the Aspiring Scholars
Program and a 30 minute Q & A. You must RSVP to attend.
Monday, November 3, 2025 4:00pm-5:30pm
New Program Opens Doors for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Rebecca Brooks arrived at Cal State San Marcos with 16 years of experience as a special education teacher – and with a dream. Almost since the day she was hired...
Way to Go!
Taylor Griffin, a graduate assistant for the Aspiring Scholars Program, received the College of Education, Health, and Human Services' Student Champion for Diversity, Inclusion, Equity Award for her exceptional work with the program and Jenna Walker who is studying psychology, received recognition as an Outstanding Service Learning Student for her role as a Peer Mentor for the Aspiring Scholars Program.
Thank you to the for their grant funding to support the Aspiring Scholars Program!
Congratulations to Peer Mentor Alexandria (Alli) Mulqueen for receiving the President’s Student Champion Award for Inclusive Excellence and Diversity.
Mission & VisionFuture Scholars & How To ApplyProgram OverviewFinancial ResourcesProgram Costs
Become A Peer Mentor
Become a peer mentor today to support Aspiring Scholars in academic classes, campus internships, sporting events, U-Hour activities, clubs, and events on our campus.
How to become a peer mentor:
How to become a peer mentor:
- If you are enrolled in a course that requires Service-Learning
- If you are enrolled in a course that requires an Academic Internship
- If you are interested in volunteering
Program Includes
- Four-year program for students over the age of 18 who have an intellectual disability and have a desire to gain meaningful competitive integrated employment
- Enrollment in academic classes each semester with ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø undergraduate students
- Individualized pathway of courses and internships created by the student in collaboration with their Person Driven Plan support team
- Participation in clubs, groups and other activities on the campus
- Trained Peer Mentors to provide support, guidance and mentorship as needed
- Internships on campus or in the community
- Embedded independent living skills instruction and life skills seminars with college peers
Our Staff
Information Sessions and Campus Tours
Aspiring Scholars Information Sessions and Campus Tours will offered in September,
October, and November. Dates and a link to register will be posted here soon.
Program Eligibility
- At least 18 years of age and has a documented Intellectual Disability
- Completed high school with a diploma or certificate
- Has a strong desire to gain employment after completing ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø's Aspiring Scholars Program and is striving toward independence
- Is comfortable with a dynamic schedule and has intrinsic motivation to participate
- Are able to complete daily needs, access your physical environment, and safely function with minimal to no supervision (note: if you have prearranged supports, indicate this on the application)
- Are able to communicate needs effectively (inclusive of communication devices)
- Have the ability to get along with peers, follow rules, and accept direction
- Are able to effectively and appropriately participate and benefit from the program
Contact Information
±¬ÁÏÉçÇø Aspiring Scholars
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92096
San Marcos, CA 92096
Phone: (760) 750-8506
Email: scholars@csusm.edu
Did you know?
Only 13% of persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities are in integrated employment settings in California (2022 annual report of the Employment First Committee convened by the State Council on Developmental Disabilities).
Students who participated in an Inclusive Postsecondary Education program completed a one-year outcome survey* showing:
- 73% of respondents had a paid job one year after completing the program
- 92% reported they were happy with their social life
