TerpsEXCEED: Making College Possible for All

About this episode

This episode explores the Terps Exceed program at the University of Maryland, highlighting its impact on students with intellectual disabilities and the role of peer mentors in creating inclusive college environments.

Join us on this insightful episode of MCIE's "Think Inclusive" podcast, as Tim Villegas delves into the Terps Exceed program at the University of Maryland. Explore the innovative two-year initiative that integrates students with intellectual disabilities into university life, providing them with education, employment, and social opportunities typically seen in post-secondary education settings. With compelling narratives from students, peer mentors, and coordinators, this episode highlights the vital role of inclusive post-secondary education in evolving societal perspectives. The Terps Exceed program at UMD exemplifies how creating inclusive college environments benefits all students. As part of a four-part series in collaboration with Think College, this episode uncovers how peer mentors contribute to a transformative college experience for students with intellectual disabilities. Key figures, such as Betsy Tornquist and Amy D'Agati, share the program's journey and its broader implications, setting an inspiring precedent for other institutions. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/terpsexceed-making-college-possible-for-all-1330/ This episode was…

People in this episode

Host: Tim Villegas

Topics covered

• inclusive education
• intellectual disabilities
• college programs
• peer mentoring
• post-secondary education
• social opportunities

Keywords

• Terps Exceed
• inclusive college
• intellectual disabilities
• peer mentors
• post-secondary education
• University of Maryland
• education opportunities

Sponsors

Think College

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Maryland

More episodes of Think Inclusive

• Patrick Mulick: Why "Bad Choice" Is the Wrong Language for Schools · June 9, 2026 · 53 min
• Rethinking Social Skills: Teaching Social Thinking for All Learners with Michelle Garcia Winner · April 23, 2026 · 47 min
• Advocating for Full Inclusion: Every Student Deserves Belonging with Sandra McElwee · April 17, 2026 · 1h 2m
• Building Inclusive Schools: From Belief to Practice with Michele Gardner · April 9, 2026 · 56 min
• Centering Disabled Students' Voices for True Inclusion and Justice with Dom Kelly · April 2, 2026 · 58 min
• Beyond Welcome: What Real Belonging Looks Like in Schools with Megan Ohlssen · March 19, 2026 · 60 min