Path to Independence

Path to Independence Inclusive certificate program for students with IDD focusing on Independent Living, Employment, and Academics.

Path to Independence (formerly Think College Nevada) is a project of the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED) at the University of Nevada Reno. Originally funded through a mini-grant from the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston, the NCED led Nevada stakeholders in strategic planning to create increased postsecondary ed opportunities for students with IDD. The first student started in a pilot project at UNR in August 2013.

Applications for our Fall 2027 cohort are officially OPEN! Ready to build independence, gain real-world work experience,...
07/01/2026

Applications for our Fall 2027 cohort are officially OPEN!

Ready to build independence, gain real-world work experience, make lifelong friendships all while experiencing college life at the University of Nevada, Reno? Apply by using the link in our bio!

We canโ€™t wait to meet our next P2I Pack! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿบ

๐Ÿ“… Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2027 and will be open until January 8th.
๐Ÿ”— Visit the link in our bio to learn more and apply!
๐Ÿ“ฉ Questions? Email [email protected]







Photo 1: blue informational flyer with 3 previous p2I students posing while text reads โ€œNow accepting applications for fall 2027โ€

Summer Camp Day 4 Recap: Dream Big!Today our campers received their iPads, brought their goals to life by creating and p...
06/26/2026

Summer Camp Day 4 Recap: Dream Big!

Today our campers received their iPads, brought their goals to life by creating and presenting vision boards, and wrapped up the day with a tour of the Keck Museum! Another day filled with learning and new experiences. We canโ€™t believe summer camp is almost over! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿบ







Photo 1: Student smiling while walking around the Keck Museum.
Photo 2: Group of students setting up iPads in UNR library.
Photo 3: Student shows shocked face while learning at the Keck Museum.
Photo 4: Student smirks while presenting his vision board.
Photo 5: 2 students smile together while setting up iPads.
Photo 6: Students walking around Keck museum.
Photo 7: Group of P2I students and staff stand together smiling holding up their vision boards.

Summer Camp Day 3 Recap: Living the college life! Today, our campers got a taste of true college life! Thanks to Nevada ...
06/24/2026

Summer Camp Day 3 Recap: Living the college life!

Today, our campers got a taste of true college life! Thanks to Nevada Dining , we enjoyed lunch at Pack Place and experienced what itโ€™sโ€™s like to eat in a college dining hall! We also explored our interest inventories, learned about the requirements to earn a P2I certificate, and discovered all the exciting independent living classes available through the program.

Another great day of learning and envisioning life as a college student! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿบ







Photo 1: Mrs. Brie teaching students about the certificate requirements.
Photo 2: Student smiles as he learned in class.
Photo 3: 2 students enjoy lunch in Pack Place dining hall.
Photo 4: Ms. Reagan teaching about all the independent living classes we take in P2I.
Photo 5: Students laughing during class presentation.

Summer Camp Day 2 Recap: Career Exploration Day!Today, our campers visited the Career Studio to learn more about employm...
06/24/2026

Summer Camp Day 2 Recap: Career Exploration Day!

Today, our campers visited the Career Studio to learn more about employment opportunities and workplace success. They put their skills to the test with an employment scavenger hunt, exploring resources and discovering tools that can help them achieve their future career goals! Another fun and productive day in the books! ๐Ÿบ๐Ÿ’™







Photo 1: Student smiles in P2I office.
Photo 2: Team of 5 students working on campus during scavenger hunt.
Photo 3: 3 students create a plan for their scavenger hunt.
Photo 4: P2I team of 5 in the career studio.
Photo 5: 3 students listen attentively to career studio presentation.

Summer Camp Day 1 Recap: What a great start to the week!Today was all about exploring, learning, and making connections!...
06/23/2026

Summer Camp Day 1 Recap: What a great start to the week!

Today was all about exploring, learning, and making connections! Campers toured UNRโ€™s campus, got to know one another, learned about our locus of control with our VR counselor, and even got a fun visit from Alphie, Alphie Jr., and Luna! ๐Ÿบ๐Ÿ’™







Photo 1: 10 students pose together with UNR mascots Alphie, Alphie Jr. and Luna.
Photo 2: 2 students helping each other during activity.
Photo 3: Student smiling outside.
Photo 4: Teacher poses while giving a lesson.
Photo 5: Student smiles while listening to tour guide surrounded by other students.
Photo 6: 2 students asking each other questions during activity.
Photo 7: 3 Students listening to our campus tour guide.
Photo 8: Student smiles with his hand on his face.
Photo 9: Student smiles while holding soccer ball with talking points

Summer + coffee + P2I alumni = the perfect morning! We loved catching up and spending time together at Good Days Cafe! ๐Ÿ’™...
06/08/2026

Summer + coffee + P2I alumni = the perfect morning! We loved catching up and spending time together at Good Days Cafe! ๐Ÿ’™โ˜•๏ธ๐Ÿบ

Photo 1: P2I alumni smiling while enjoying a breakfast burrito and a matcha.
Photo 2: 2 P2I alumni smile together while enjoying coffee.
Photo 3: P2I alumni shows Wolfpack pride while sipping a coffee.

06/04/2026
๐Ÿ’™
05/16/2026

๐Ÿ’™

Today, we celebrate the incredible accomplishments of the Path to Independence Class of 2026! We are so proud of each gr...
05/15/2026

Today, we celebrate the incredible accomplishments of the Path to Independence Class of 2026! We are so proud of each graduate and all they have achieved through their hard work, determination, and growth throughout this journey. Your future is bright, and we canโ€™t wait to see all the amazing things you accomplish next. Congratulations, graduates! ๐Ÿ’™๐ŸŽ“

Congratulations to our Assistant Director, Dr. Ryah McKay, Ph.D. on receiving the Outstanding Administrative Faculty Awa...
05/07/2026

Congratulations to our Assistant Director, Dr. Ryah McKay, Ph.D. on receiving the Outstanding Administrative Faculty Award from the !

As Assistant Director for Path to Independence, Dr. McKay oversees employment support services, grant writing, and key program initiatives that make a lasting impact on our students. Over the past year, her leadership helped guide the Class of 2025 to an incredible 88% employment rate, while also advancing important research on employment outcomes in inclusive postsecondary educationโ€”all while completing her Ph.D.

Beyond these accomplishments, Dr. McKayโ€™s daily support, compassion, and unwavering commitment to students help ensure our Center remains a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment where students can thrive.

Thank you, Dr. McKay, for your dedication, leadership, and the difference you make every dayโ€”we are so grateful to have you ๐Ÿ’™

Address

1664 N Virginia Street
Reno, NV

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Path to Independence posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Path to Independence:

Shortcuts

Share