Utah Tech University

UT Elevated

A program designed to serve admitted students with intellectual disabilities.

Program Guidelines

Students: 

  • Are between the ages of 18 and 28 years old
  • Have a mild to moderate intellectual and/or developmental disability
  • Can provide documentation of qualifying disability
  • Have the ability to succeed in foundational college level courses
  • Can function on a college campus without 24/7 support

Announcements

Applications Open

Applications for Spring 2027 are open now.

Apply Now

Nov 02, 2026 Applications Close

Open until program is full.

Nov 15, 2026 Final Decisions

Official notifications of selections will be sent via email no later than November 15th.

Mission Statement

To increase enrollment, retention, and graduation rates of students with intellectual disabilities at Utah Tech University.
Students in a classroom working independently with assistance from an instructor.

Program Basics

Students participate and engage in educational, social, and leadership opportunities.

Support

Access to support:

  • Academic Advisor
  • Student Success Professional
  • Case Manager
Trailblazer Village students

College Experience

Students have the opportunity to participate in clubs, campus life, and additional activities outside of the classroom.

Girl working at Zonos

Career and Workforce Readiness

Students may participate in career exploration, skill development, and hands-on work experiences to prepare for meaingful, competitive employment.

Families

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Students

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There is limited space. Please apply now to better your chance of being accepted into the program.

Common Questions

Do I need to apply to Utah Tech?

Yes! Please only apply to UT Elevated after being accepted to Utah Tech University as a student. You can find the application here:

UT Student Application

Does my disability qualify for UT Elevated?

Applicants must: 
Apply and be admitted to Utah Tech University as a student
Be between ages of 18 and 28 by Sept. 1 of the year they start the program
Have a mild to moderate intellectual and/or developmental disability

OR

Have a documented diagnosis of Intellectual Disability (typically IQ of 75 or less)
Provide documentation of qualifying disability
Demonstrate the ability to accept responsibility for his/her actions
Has the ability to read and complete math and English a foundational college level
Agree to participate in all aspects of the UT Elevated program
Can function on a college campus without 24/7 support
Not a threat to themselves or others
Willing to accept feedback, correction, and constructive criticism
Experience using a computer independently (email, Word, Canvas, etc.)

What documentation is required?

Triannual Evaluation (Reevaluation) or Psychoeducational Evaluation Results
Testing/assessment must be current to represent the applicant’s functioning as an adult— must
have been completed within the past THREE years. Assessments should include standardized
scores and interpretations in the following areas:

  • COGNITIVE (e.g. WAIS, WISC)
  • ACADEMICS (e.g. Woodcock-Johnson, Kaufman)
  • ADAPTIVE FUNCTIONING (e.g. ABAS, Vineland)
  • BEHAVIOR/EMOTIONAL (e.g. BASC)
  • SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL/MENTAL HEALTH (if applicable)
  • DISABILITY SPECIFIC ASSESSEMENTS (e.g. ADOS, GARS-2, ASRS, ADI-R, vision/hearing
    screenings, speech language)

OR:

Most Recent IEP (or Final IEP if student has graduated)

  • Special education classification (i.e., Intellectual Disability, Autism, Specific Learning Disability,
    other Health Impairment, etc.)
  • Cognitive and adaptive score
  • Academic goals and progress
  • Social, emotional, behavioral goals and progress
  • Accommodations and modifications used in class and for assessment

What make a good candidate?

  • Demonstrate the ability to accept responsibility for his/her actions
  • Has the ability to read and complete math and English at a functional level
  • Demonstrate the desire to attend Utah Tech and the UT Elevated program
  • Agree to participate in all aspects of the UT Elevated program
  • Can function on a college campus without 24/7 support
  • Demonstrates appropriate skills to interact with others and navigate campus
  • Demonstrates basic safety skills in unsupervised settings
  • Be able to manage his/her own special diet requirements and/or medical needs
  • UT Elevated staff will not be involved in medication management
  • Not a threat to themselves or others (i.e., aggressiveness, defiance, running away, self-injury, stealing, etc.)
  • Staff to manage behaviors will not be provided by UT Elevated
  • Not currently dealing with severe mental health issues (suicidality, psychosis, hallucinations, etc.)
  • Willing to accept feedback, correction, and constructive criticism
  • Experience using a computer independently (email, Word, Canvas, etc.)

Is there an additional cost to the program?

There are no additional fees for the 2026-2027 year for the UT Elevated program aside from standard tuition and fees.

Tuition Costs

Hours

Sunday

  • Closed.

Monday

  • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

  • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

  • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

  • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

  • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

  • Closed.

Contact