College Awarded LIFT Grant to Expand Support for Students with Learning Differences 

Bellevue College has been selected to receive a $15,000 grant through Achieving the Dream’s Learning Inclusive Futures Together (LIFT) initiative — a national effort dedicated to strengthening the transition from K–12 education to college for students with learning differences. The award is a recognition of the college’s commitment to student success and its leadership in building inclusive, accessible pathways for every learner. 

The LIFT initiative unites colleges across the country around a shared mission: creating stronger and more consistent systems that support students with learning disabilities as they make the critical leap into higher education. At Bellevue College, this work will focus on expanding faculty and staff training on inclusive teaching practices, while also strengthening communication with K–12 partners and incoming students. 

“This grant allows us to take work that we know is already impactful and scale it across the institution,” said Megan Kaptik, Dean of Student Success at Bellevue College. “We have strong programs in place, but students benefit most when there is consistency in how faculty and staff understand and apply accommodations. LIFT will give us the structure and resources to build that shared understanding.” 

Bellevue College proudly serves more than 22,000 students, with approximately 6% identifying as having a learning difference. The college is widely recognized for programs such as the Disability Resource Center (DRC) and Neurodiversity Navigators, both of which provide vital academic support, coaching, and advocacy. This grant is an exciting opportunity to build on that strong foundation, moving from individual services toward a truly coordinated, campuswide approach. 

One key challenge the college is working to address is the gap many students experience upon transitioning from high school. Individualized education plans (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans do not automatically carry over to college; instead, students must self-identify and request accommodations through the DRC. This process can feel unfamiliar, and some students delay seeking help, which can impact their academic momentum right when it matters most.  

IEPs provide specialized instruction for academic needs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), while Section 504 Plans provide classroom accommodations for equal access under civil rights laws. Both exist to address the needs of students in the K-12 setting with physical, medical and/or cognitive conditions that directly impact education, according to the National Education Association. In the college environment, accommodations are provided per Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act and require that a student self-identify and go through the college’s process. 

“Students are often navigating a completely different system when they arrive here,” Kaptik said. “They may assume their previous supports will carry over, and when they don’t, it can create frustration or setbacks. Our goal is to make that transition clearer, earlier, and more supportive so students can focus on learning from day one.” 

Through the LIFT grant, Bellevue College will significantly expand professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, including workshops, training sessions, and collaborative learning experiences. These efforts will center on understanding accommodation processes, communicating effectively with students, and integrating inclusive practices into the classroom — all building on proven models already developed by the DRC and Neurodiversity Navigators. 

“We’re excited to be able to provide more training resources to Bellevue College staff and faculty to enhance our ability to get students to the Disability Resource Center for accommodations and to Neurodiversity Navigators for support and community,” said Marisa Hackett, Director of the DRC. “It will also allow us to further empower staff and faculty working with students right out of high school to support disabled students in accessing services and engaging in their courses. We will also be able to work closely with our high school partners to clear up any confusion about college processes and ensure students have the right information before they start at Bellevue College.” 

Students who connect early with support services are more likely to persist and complete their programs, and Neurodiversity Navigators participants have consistently achieved higher retention and completion rates than the general student population. These outcomes underscore why early intervention and well-informed support systems are so essential, and why this investment is so meaningful. 

Bellevue College will work more closely with local high school transition teams, special education staff, and families to set clear expectations and offer guidance long before students set foot on campus. That includes helping students understand how to get started with the DRC, navigate available resources, and advocate for themselves in a college setting. 

“Building those connections with our K–12 partners is essential,” Kaptik said. “When students and families have accurate information before they arrive, it reduces uncertainty and empowers students to take ownership of their education. That’s a major factor in long-term success.” 

This initiative aligns with Bellevue College’s broader participation in Achieving the Dream, a national network dedicated to advancing equity and student success. College leaders see the LIFT grant as both a celebration of progress already made and a powerful investment in what comes next. 

“This opportunity reflects the work our faculty and staff are already doing to support students,” Sara Sanders Gardner, Director of the Neurodiversity Navigators, said. “It also challenges us to think bigger about how we can create a truly inclusive learning environment — one where every student has the tools and support they need to thrive.” 

The LIFT cohort launched in April 2026 with a virtual kickoff event, bringing together participating institutions to begin collaborative planning and learning. Now underway, Bellevue College is engaged in a structured process to refine its strategies, share best practices, and implement new approaches. 

The goal is clear, and the college is ready: ensuring that every student, regardless of learning needs or background, has equitable access to education and a real opportunity to succeed.