Normandale Community College officially launched its Growth and Achievement through Inclusive Education (GainED) program at the start of the Fall 2026 semester, welcoming its first cohort of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Normandale is one of three Minnesota State two-year colleges to receive an inclusive Higher Education grant from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (MOHE). It is also the only public college or university in the Twin Cities to offer this programming.
The grant, which is for $200,000, supports Normandale’s GainED program. GainED is an inclusive higher education program that empowers students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to navigate their educational journey, gain meaningful experiences, and transition confidently into work and community life through inclusive, credentialed learning at Normandale.
Last year, GainED Program Coordinator Stephanie Nordstog worked with an interdisciplinary workgroup to plan and build the infrastructure for the program. Nordstog created a foundation and schedule for the program this spring, and orientation ran on August 5 and 6. The program officially launched at the beginning of the fall 2026 semester with Nordstog as the program coordinator, three students and a peer mentor.
“We are so grateful to continue to receive inclusive Higher Education grant funding from MOHE for this important program,” said Nordstog. “This program really aligns with Normandale’s overarching goals to be student-ready and have an inclusive community. Having an intellectual and physical disability looks different for every person. Through this program, we want to encourage self-advocacy and confidence so students can live more self-determined lives.”
GainED is designed to empower students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to navigate their educational journey, gain meaningful experiences, and transition confidently into work and community life through inclusive, credentialed learning at Normandale.
Through GainED, students will receive continuous support from a success coach and peer mentors, through a person-centered process. Students engage in a academic, professional, social, and independent living learning experiences while participating fully in campus life.
Through the Inclusive Higher Education Grant, Normandale received the funding this fiscal year after receiving the same total last fiscal year to support the planning and development of the inclusive higher education pathway program.
The goal for the program is to eventually have cohorts of 20-25 students admitted each fall. For more information about the program go to normandale.edu/gain-edu.
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