UC Davis’ first-in-California inclusive college program for individuals with intellectual disabilities is celebrating a momentous milestone. The first class of Redwood SEED Scholars has graduated from the four-year, non-degree program.

“It’s all sorts of emotions, and hard to believe,” said Olivia Adams-Falconer, one of the eight graduates. “I’ve made so many memories, and I loved the program. It’s been completely life-changing.”

Across FOA departments, a quiet transformation is taking place, led by the hardworking, determined Redwood SEED Scholars, California students with intellectual disabilities who live, work, attend classes and participate in student life at UC Davis.

The Redwood SEED Scholars Program was highlighted in an article entitled "College for All" in the quarterly newsletter, The Special EDGE, published by Supporting Inclusive Practices.

The Special EDGE Newsletter | Summer 2023

Two Redwood SEED Scholars are pictured on the cover of the Employment First Committee Final Report 2022, prepared by the California State Council for Developmental Disabilities.  Jaylen Parks is pictured at his job on campus with the Student Disability Center and Kirra Troeger is pictured at her job working behind the scenes in tech set up at the Mondavi Center.

You can also read about the urgent need for inclusive college opportunities, like the Redwood SEED Scholars Program, for students with I/DD in California on pages 28-30 of the report.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and we’re proud to highlight Redwood SEED Scholars who are student employees at the UC Davis Library: Kai Gardizi and Karis Chun.

Look Who’s On The Cover!! Rising Redwood SEED Scholar junior, Kai Gardizi is on the cover of Think College’s Annual Report.

Look inside to see several articles about the Redwood SEED Scholars Program and focus on both scholars and mentors.

Think College Annual Report for TPSID Cohort Three

In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we’re highlighting Redwood SEED Scholar Karis Chun and her experiences working as a student employee at Shields Library.

Have you heard the term neurodiversity yet? It’s the idea that people experience the world differently and that neurological differences are not deficits. It embraces inclusion, respect and the value of all people.

The number of students at UC Davis with an intellectual disability has more than doubled, thanks to the inclusive Redwood SEED Scholars program. Twenty-one scholars – 12 freshmen and nine sophomores – now call the campus home. They will spend four years on campus living in dorms, taking classes and completing internships and jobs as they work toward a practical credential rather than a degree.

Living-Learning Communities and Shared-Interest Communities are communities within the residence halls that provide an opportunity for students with similar interests to live in the same hall or on the same floor. The communities allow students to enjoy unique activities, as well as more traditional social and recreational opportunities.

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