Idaho Employment Capacity Leveraged through IPSE

🌟 Student Spotlight: Morgan 🌟

We're excited to spotlight Morgan from Boise State University's PEERS program!

One of Morgan's standout accomplishments this past semester was delivering an outstanding presentation in his Child Psychology course, where he co-presented alongside his professor in front of the class. More than just a class assignment, this opportunity highlighted Morgan's growth, confidence, and willingness to step outside his comfort zone.

Through the experience, he demonstrated increased confidence in public speaking, professionalism, and meaningful collaboration with faculty. These skills will continue to support his success in college and future employment!

Congratulations, Morgan! Keep up the great work!

📢 We're Hiring!

Join the University of Idaho's ECLIPSE team as a Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Specialist!

In this role, you'll support Vandal QUEST, the University's inclusive post-secondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You'll help students prepare for meaningful employment by developing job training opportunities, supporting career development, collaborating with employers, and working alongside the Vandal QUEST and ECLIPSE teams to expand competitive integrated employment opportunities.

We're looking for someone with:
✅ A bachelor's degree in education, marketing, or a related field
✅ Experience providing training or instruction to individuals with disabilities
✅ Leadership experience

Preferred qualifications include experience with inclusive postsecondary education, job training, coaching, networking, and event planning.

If you're passionate about inclusive employment and making a difference in students' lives, we'd love to hear from you!

Apply today at: https://tinyurl.com/ECLIPSECIEspecialist

🌟 Student Spotlight: Layton 🌟

We're excited to recognize Layton from the PEERS program at Boise State University for his outstanding growth this year!

Layton has shown incredible progress in self-advocacy by confidently reaching out to professors for clarification and support with assignments. His attention to detail and commitment to fully understanding expectations have helped him succeed in the classroom.

Beyond academics, Layton has also made meaningful strides in self-awareness and problem-solving. These skills are essential not only for success in college, but also in the workplace and everyday life.

Layton's growth is a great reminder that self-advocacy, communication, and perseverance are key to building independence and achieving personal goals.

Keep up the great work, Layton! We're proud of all you've accomplished.

July is Disability Pride Month!

This month celebrates the history, achievements, culture, and contributions of the disability community while honoring disability as a natural part of human diversity.

Disability Pride Month is observed each July in recognition of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990—a landmark civil rights law that continues to shape a more accessible and inclusive society.

At ECLIPSE, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, work, and thrive. We're proud to support inclusive post-secondary education and competitive integrated employment, helping create communities where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued, included, and empowered.

This July, take time to learn from disabled voices, celebrate disability culture, advocate for accessibility, and help build a future where everyone belongs.

Together, we build a more inclusive future!
❤️💛🤍💙💚

🌟 Spotlight: Braxtyn 🌟

SPARC student, Braxtyn, has spent this year building independence and preparing for life after graduation.

This year, Braxtyn was hired for a position at North 40 Outfitters, where he worked outside of his SPARC schedule while continuing to attend his classes at Lewis-Clark State College and excel academically. He is also one of the SPARC students who participated in a paid internship with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), gaining valuable hands-on experience in a competitive workplace!

Way to go, Braxtyn! 👏

🌟 Welcome to the ECLIPSE Team, Ronnie! 🌟

We're excited to welcome Ronnie DeFord as the Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Specialist for EAGLE, the Inclusive Post-secondary Education (IPSE) program at the College of Southern Idaho!

Ronnie brings experience in youth development, community-based rehabilitation, and program leadership, along with a passion for expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities in rural communities. In her role with EAGLE, she will support students in developing career skills, building pathways to competitive integrated employment, and connecting with employers.

Please join us in giving Ronnie a warm welcome to the ECLIPSE team!

We're Growing!

We're excited to announce that EAGLE (Empowering Achievement, Growth, Learning, and Employment) at the College of Southern Idaho is joining the ECLIPSE network of Inclusive Post-secondary Education (IPSE) programs!

Based in Twin Falls, Idaho, EAGLE expands opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to pursue college experiences, develop skills, and prepare for competitive integrated employment.

With the addition of EAGLE, ECLIPSE now partners with four IPSE programs across Idaho:
• Vandal QUEST at the University of Idaho
• PEERS at Boise State University
• SPARC at Lewis-Clark State College
• EAGLE at the College of Southern Idaho

We're also excited to welcome Ronnie DeFord, EAGLE's Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Specialist. Ronnie will support students in building employment skills, connecting with employers, and preparing for meaningful careers.

Questions about EAGLE? Contact Ronnie at [email protected].

Welcome to the ECLIPSE family, EAGLE!

🌟 Student Spotlight: Brandon 🌟

Vandal QUEST student, Brandon, completed two internships at The Eatery, a residential dining facility at the University of Idaho. During his internships, he developed valuable skills in food preparation, cooking, stocking, and teamwork while gaining hands-on experience.

Brandon's dedication and strong performance made such a positive impression that his employer offered him a paid position!

Brandon's success is a great example of how internships can lead to competitive integrated employment. By providing opportunities to build skills, gain experience, and demonstrate strengths in real workplace settings, internships can create meaningful connections that lead directly to employment success.

Congratulations, Brandon!