Bryan Dallas, associate professor, School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions, received a $210,000 grant for his proposal, Huskies BELONG – Building Effective Learning Opportunities and Network Guidance for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The Illinois Community College Board grant will support a yearlong project to assist high school students with disabilities transition successfully to postsecondary education. In turn, Dr. Dallas designed the program to encourage students to explore undergraduate majors and careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).
“Securing external funding to help support the broader NIU community has been a goal of mine for many years,” Dallas said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to pursue projects that can have a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.”
Dean Beverly Henry, College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS), said the BELONG program aligns with the college’s mission to promote health and well-being through scholarship that integrates teaching, research and service.
“We recognize how important this type of research is and appreciate fully this outreach to support persons with disabilities in our communities,” Henry said. “I look forward to seeing the progress from this work with Dr. Dallas and his collaborators to enhance well-being and facilitate student success.”
Dallas worked on transition programs in the past and seen firsthand the positive outcomes for participants.
“The goal of this program is to help students with disabilities address a variety of high school to college transition-related issues,” Dallas said. “This includes career exploration, interacting with faculty and peers, using academic accommodations and assistive technology, participating in recreational activities, self-advocacy and belongingness among other areas.”
A website for the program is being developed and recruitment of participants for the program started this semester.
“In the short-term, I’m looking forward to working with students with disabilities as they begin their journey in higher education,” Dallas said. “Individuals with disabilities are significantly underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, art, and math career fields. This program will engage participants in STEAM career exploration and activities that will be facilitated by NIU STEAM faculty and instructional experts.”
Dallas, a graduate of NIU STARS Faculty Academy, was supported by NIU’s Center for P-20 Engagement and additional internal and external partners. For more information on Huskies BELONG, contact bdallas@niu.edu.
