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ATLANTA (September 20, 2024) — This week, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), led a roundtable discussion with students from Georgia Southern University’s EAGLE Academy. This academy is an Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) program that supports students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

During the roundtable, Sen. Hickman engaged with students to learn about their experiences in education, daily life and their aspirations for employment after graduation. The discussion highlighted the significant role IPSE programs play in creating inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities, allowing them to thrive alongside their peers in higher education and prepare for meaningful careers.

“I was deeply inspired by the experiences shared by the students in the EAGLE Academy,” said Sen. Hickman. “These programs are life-changing, opening doors for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to pursue higher education and prepare for meaningful employment. Listening to their stories reaffirmed my commitment to supporting policies that expand access to educational and employment opportunities for all Georgians.”

EAGLE Academy is one of ten IPSE programs in Georgia that provide opportunities for students with I/DD to engage in college experiences alongside their peers. For more information about the EAGLE Academy and Georgia’s IPSE programs, visit https://gcdd.org/current-projects/education.

**Editors Note: A photo from the event is attached.

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Sen. Billy Hickman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education. He represents the 4th Senate District which includes Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Evans, and a small portion of Chatham County. He may be reached at 404.463.1371 or via email at billy.hickman@senate.ga.gov