Berry College: On the Move and Ready to Make a Difference Through New IPSE Program

Michelle Haney has one question. 

“Can we all agree that supporting students with higher support needs is a worthwhile investment?” Haney, the executive director of Berry College’s new inclusive post secondary education program, certainly thinks so.

For many young adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), the transition from high school to adulthood can be filled with barriers that may limit their choices. 

Without a high school diploma or the required academic credits for mainstream universities, students with ID can face significant challenges. Whether it’s pursuing higher education or finding meaningful employment, opportunities can often feel out of reach. 

Thankfully, Berry College is working to change that narrative. 

For over a decade, Georgia has been home to nine Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) programs at public universities, offering students with ID opportunities for personal growth, academic advancement, and vocational training. 

This year marks a major milestone: the launch of a new IPSE program at Berry College, a private university of Georgia. The program broadens educational options statewide and signals a growing recognition of the value and potential of students with ID. 

More Than Education–A Commitment to Inclusion 

Berry College Program for Inclusive Learning, or The Berry IPSE Program, is more than just an academic program for students with ID--it’s a gateway to leadership, inclusion, and active community engagement. 

“We view IPSE students as future leaders,” said Executive Director Michelle Haney. “Our focus is on ensuring that by the time they leave, these students know what they want in life and how to advocate for themselves.” 

Leadership development is a core aspect of the curriculum, with courses designed to teach students how to express their views, contribute to team goals, and become confident self-advocates. As Haney emphasized, “We’re teaching them the skills to work collaboratively, and that will serve them well beyond their college years.” 

Berry’s Culture of Support 

Berry College’s IPSE program is a testament to the school’s deep-rooted commitment to support community engagement. The college’s commitment to service is ingrained in its motto: Not to be served, but to serve. The philosophy has drawn degree-seeking students to get involved with the IPSE program, offering mentorship and reinforcing Berry’s community-centered mindset. 

“There’s a humbleness to the student body at Berry [College],” Haney shared. “Students here want to be part of a community that takes care of one another.” 

Sara Alexander, a psychology major at Berry College, is a peer mentor and one who advocated to get an IPSE program at Berry College at the GCDD Advocacy Days in 2024. 

“As peer mentors, it’s amazing to see our students thrive, make friends, go to their classes, and learn,” said Alexander. “They become fully integrated into the [Berry College] family, and become a fantastic part of the community.”

This mindset extends to the faculty, staff, and even alumni, who have wholeheartedly embraced the program. 

When Haney first introduced the idea of faculty fellows for the IPSE program, she was unsure what reaction to expect.

“I pitched the idea at a faculty assembly meeting, thinking I might get a handful of responses. Instead, I received 25 applications from all across disciplines–Computer Science, English, Psychology, and more. The interest was overwhelming.”

Dr. Ary Suarez, a professor of agriculture science, was one of the faculty fellows who helped design the Berry IPSE program.

“These students are making friends, learning, working, and having an experience that allows them to see their own potential,” said Suarez.

Empowering IPSE Students with Real World Skills 

The Berry IPSE program goes beyond the classroom by offering hands-on job training and real-world experiences, building agency among students. Currently, three students are enrolled: Griffin, Kate, and Will, and each is contributing to campus life in meaningful ways. 

Griffin, who has a passion for computers, secured an apprenticeship with Berry Information Technology Students (BITS) entirely on his own merit.

“He went through the same process as every other student–submitting a resume and sitting for an interview,” Haney explained. “The BITS team hired him because of him, not because of the IPSE program.” Today, Griffin works in IT and is pursuing annual certifications, proving how valuable IPSE students can be when given the opportunity. 

Kate works at the Berry College Library help desk, where she assists visitors and curates book displays. Her outgoing personality makes her a natural in this forward-facing role. 

Meanwhile, Will’s love for agriculture has landed him a role in the Berry Bees program, a student-run enterprise producing and selling bee-related products. Here, Will is honing his entrepreneurial skills while contributing to Berry’s sustainability initiatives.

“He’s brought so much passion to this project, and it’s inspiring to see him grow alongside our bees,” shares Student Supervisor Lily Reddick.

Sustainable and Accessible Growth  

As Berry College’s IPSE program continues to grow, Haney is focused on making it more accessible and sustainable. “One of our biggest challenges is financial,” she admitted.

“Because Berry is a private institution, we don’t receive the legislative funding that state schools do for IPSE programs. Everything is 100% out of pocket.” 

To combat this, Haney and her team are working to secure a Comprehensive Transition Postsecondary (CTP) status for the program, which would allow students to access federal financial aid. 

“We want to do everything we can to minimize barriers for a population that has historically been excluded from opportunities.” 

A Model for Inclusive Higher Education 

Ultimately, the IPSE program at Berry College is about more than just academic and vocational training. It’s about empowering students with the tools to shape their own futures, advocate for their rights, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. 

“We’re investing in their development, so they leave with a clear purpose and the skills to pursue it,” said Haney. 

As inclusive higher education gains traction nationwide, Berry College is setting a powerful example of what’s possible when colleges commit to serving all students, regardless of ability. 

Berry’s vision? A future where IPSE programs are recognized across the board as a legitimate and valuable college experience.

And they are just getting started. 

To learn more about Berry College and the program, visit the GAIPSEC website.