Western Carolina’s UP program may be coming to an end in 2011

WCU’s University Participant (UP) Program is a program designed to provide a two-year, on-campus living and learning experience for persons between the ages of 18 and 25 with developmental disabilities.

With federal and state budget cuts on the rise, Western Carolina’s UP program may be coming to an end in 2011.

Some Western Carolina students planned a trip to Washington, DC  to talk with Senators Kay Hagan and Richard Bur, and Congressmen Heath Schuler asking them not to cut the budget. The students will be explaining why the program should not be cut and proving to the representatives how important this program is to students, faculty, and the community as a whole.

“I’m really proud of the WCU students they’ve stepped up, they’ve rallied, and…I know that they are the future and they are the ones that can impact legislation,” says Kelly Kelley.

These students are fighting for a program they believe in and need all the help they can get. If you would like to help out these students and voice your opinions contact Kelly Kelley at kkelley@wcu.edu.