Lions Connected (LC) is an inclusive postsecondary program approved by the U.S. Department of Education; thus meeting rigorous program standards and accountability. Equally important is that it gives eligible students from rural areas the opportunity to receive federal financial aid to attend college. The purpose of developing LC was to meet the needs and desires of the surrounding rural communities by providing postsecondary opportunities for students with intellectual disability (ID) to enhance their social, academic, and employment skills alongside peers without disabilities. This article describes the program in detail as well as program outcomes, including employment in rural home communities. LC students receive a true college experience while preparing to become contributing members in society regardless of where they live. By following LC’s program structure, there are multiple opportunities for supporting students with ID in rural settings and helping them garner a college experience and become successfully employed in their community and reach their full potential.

Lions Connected (LC) 是一项由美国教育部批准的包容性高等教育计划；从而满足严格的计划标准和问责制。同样重要的是，它让来自农村地区的符合条件的学生有机会获得联邦财政援助以上大学。发展 LC 的目的是通过为智力残疾 (ID) 学生提供高等教育机会，与非残疾同龄人一起提高他们的社交、学术和就业技能，从而满足周边农村社区的需求和愿望。本文详细介绍了该计划以及计划成果，包括在农村家庭社区的就业。LC 学生获得真正的大学体验，同时准备成为对社会有贡献的成员，无论他们住在哪里。