EAGLES program secures $2.3 million federal grant to advance postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities

The EAGLES Program in Auburn University’s College of Education was recently awarded a prestigious five-year, $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) initiative. 

The grant through TPSID — considered one of the nation’s most competitive federal programs supporting postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities — will fund a transformative new project, titled ENGAGE: Empowerment, Networks, Growth, Access, Guidance and Equilibrium. ENGAGE will expand the reach of the EAGLES Program through a wraparound services model that supports students before, during and after their college experience. 

“This award strengthens Auburn’s leadership in higher education,” said Betty S. Patten, the Jay and Susie Gogue Endowed Director of the EAGLES Program and principal investigator of the ENGAGE Project. “The ENGAGE Project allows us to expand our evidence-based models, invest in cutting-edge research and remain deeply rooted in our mission — to empower students with intellectual disabilities to thrive academically, socially and independently.”

Auburn’s proposal earned a perfect score, reflecting the Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success (EAGLES) Program’s national reputation for innovation, research excellence and impact.

EAGLES is Auburn University’s comprehensive transition program for students with intellectual disabilities. From academics and wellness to independent living and career readiness, the EAGLES Program empowers students to thrive. 

Rooted in the EAGLES Program’s mission of empowerment and excellence across five domains of academics, employment, health and wellness, personal social skills and independent living, the ENGAGE Project aligns directly with Auburn’s land-grant commitment to teaching, research and service with the following priorities:

• Transition, Summer Academy and Peer Mentorship: Launching a Transition Coordinator role to lead a summer academy and guide post-program services as well as implementing a peer-to-peer Independent Living Student Worker Model to strengthen skill development through real-world practice and mentorship.
• Independent Living Expansion: Implementing a residential independent living model that embeds structured instruction, data-driven supports, real-time feedback, high-quality supports and authentic learning opportunities in community settings with dedicated peer mentors from 4-8 p.m.
• Person-Centered Planning Technology: Expanding the person-centered planning process through a platform called Equip, where students can set goals, monitor progress and use automated reflection tools to increase self-determination and communication among their support network.
• AI & Digital Literacy Modules: In partnership with Auburn University’s Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, the EAGLES Program will launch Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital literacy training modules centered around the following topics: healthy relationships and online safety; digital identity and responsible use; using AI for learning and communication; and consent, boundaries and decision making in a digital world (teaching students to use technology safely, ethically and effectively to support their learning and independence).
• Curriculum Innovation and Virtual Reality: Introducing virtual reality–based learning experiences that simulate real-world social and employment scenarios to enhance self-advocacy and problem-solving in low-stakes settings, minimizing social risks during the learning process.
• Academic Concentrations and Credentials: Expanding academic pathways with stackable digital credentials that reflect skill mastery and align with workforce needs.
• Internships and Employment Readiness: Strengthening partnerships to provide high-quality internships and integrated, post-program employment opportunities.
• Mental Health and Wellness Supports: Embedding proactive mental health services and wellness programming into the student experience.
• Research, Evaluation and Accreditation: The EAGLES Program will pursue national accreditation, and a comprehensive research and evaluation plan will be led by Everett Evaluation.

Auburn College of Education Associate Professor Christine Drew, a co-principal investigator on the project and EAGLES Program faculty research advisor, will oversee development of the AI and digital literacy modules. 

“Our goal is to create accessible, engaging tools that build digital confidence and prepare students to navigate an increasingly tech-driven world,” Drew said. “These modules not only teach technology use, but also promote self-advocacy, healthy relationships of all kinds, online and interpersonal safety and independence.”

Auburn College of Education Professor Suzanne Woods-Groves, the other co-principal investigator, will lead the research and dissemination strategy.  

“Auburn’s TPSID project integrates high-quality research design into every component — from intervention development to outcome measurement,” she said. 

The TPSID initiative funds a select number of model demonstration sites nationwide to develop and enhance higher education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities. Each funded program must demonstrate evidence-based practices that promote access to academics, independent living, employment and community engagement — while contributing to a national research base and working with Think College, the federally funded national technical assistance center. 

Seventy-five percent of Auburn’s ENGAGE Project will be financed with $2,229,468 in federal funds, while the remaining 25 percent — $743,190 — will be funded by non-governmental sources.