The THRIVE Vision
Since 2010, the University of Central Missouri’s (UCM) THRIVE program has been transforming the lives of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. THRIVE stands for Transformation, Health, Responsibility, Independence, Vocation, and Education, and it’s a comprehensive program that offers students a unique and supportive college experience.
The Four-Year CTP Approval
This spring, UCM received official approval from the U.S. Department of Education to expand THRIVE into a four-year comprehensive transition and postsecondary (CTP) program. This designation strengthens the academic and life-skills journey of students in the program and unlocks additional financial aid options, including Pell Grants, which had previously been out of reach for non-degree-seeking students.
- “The four-year CTP approval means eligible students can now access Pell Grants, even if they’re not degree-seeking,”
- said Tony Lubbers, director of the Office of Student Financial Services at UCM.
The Expansion Process
The expansion of THRIVE didn’t happen overnight. It began years ago, with a conversation between Michael Brunkhorst, director of the THRIVE program, and parents of students who were already part of the program. “Many parents told us that after two years in THRIVE—living in residence halls with mentors and staff—the jump to life back home was a hard one,” said Brunkhorst. “Some parents said they wished their students had a more realistic living arrangement, like an apartment, to ease that transition.”
This feedback sparked the idea of a third and fourth year, with programming tailored to build on students’ earlier experiences while moving them toward greater independence. Apartment-style living, internships, and more career-specific coursework became central to the vision. However, the vision needed validation and funding.
The Journey to Accreditation
Working with colleagues across campus and with the guidance of emeriti faculty member Joyce Downing, Ph.D., Brunkhorst and Lubbers built the framework and submitted it to the Department of Education. In March, they received approval, retroactive to the beginning of the spring 2025 semester. “The expansion of the UCM THRIVE program to be approved as a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for Title IV financial aid is an important achievement that provides educational access to many students and families and aligns with our university strategic plan goal number one to provide a welcoming campus environment for students of all backgrounds and provide opportunities, support, and resources for them to be successful,” said Tim Crowley, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.
The THRIVE Experience
During the initial two years, students live on campus, improve their academic and social skills, gain computer literacy, and participate in internships. Alongside core THRIVE classes focused on life and job skills, students also take traditional university courses, such as University Foundations or Learning Strategies, plus electives in areas that match their interests. Many earn the program’s Certificate of Success and build a personal portfolio. Some even transition into UCM’s general student population as degree-seeking students.
The Impact of THRIVE
THRIVE has served 176 students since its inception. Its impact reaches far beyond UCM’s Warrensburg campus.
- “We’ve had students from Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, even Doha, Qatar,”
- said Michael Brunkhorst, director of the THRIVE program.
The expansion of THRIVE means that more students can now access UCM, and the program is poised to support more students here at UCM than ever before.
The Definition of Success
For many students, the confidence gained through THRIVE is the real milestone.
- “We had a student email me a while back, just thrilled that she could pay her own bills. She’s working in fashion retail, has benefits, and lives in her own apartment,”
- said Michael Brunkhorst, director of the THRIVE program.
Another student bought a new car. It’s those day-to-day markers of independence that show us the program works.
The THRIVE Team
The THRIVE team doesn’t measure success by degrees alone. They also see the confidence and independence gained by their students.
- “This isn’t a program on the sidelines,”
- said Tony Lubbers, director of the Office of Student Financial Services at UCM.
The THRIVE team is embedded in UCM life, and they’re proud of the work they do.
The Next Milestone
With the CTP expansion complete, Brunkhorst’s eyes are already on the next milestone: accreditation through Think College, the national accrediting body for transition programs. “We’re already certified as a two- and four-year CTP, but accreditation would be another layer of assurance for families that we’re delivering the best possible experience for their students,” said Michael Brunkhorst, director of the THRIVE program.
The Choice for Families
Above all, both Lubbers and Brunkhorst emphasize that THRIVE is about choice—giving students and their families options that didn’t exist a generation ago.
- “When we started, we got over 50 applications for 12 spots,”
- said Michael Brunkhorst, director of the THRIVE program.
However, with other Missouri programs emerging, families have real choices. But if they’re looking for a smaller university experience with strong support and integration, UCM is the best option. For more information about THRIVE, including admissions and program details, visit ucmo.edu/thrive or follow UCM THRIVE on Facebook.
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