On the evening of Nov. 11, a surprise call from Ira Lubert of the Lubert Family Charitable Foundation challenged West Chester University to raise $50,000 each year for the next five years in order to make a current pilot program permanent for non-degree-seeking students with intellectual disabilities. A total of $250,000 has been pledged over the next five consecutive years.

In return, Lubert has committed to match the $50,000, dollar-for-dollar, if the university, in turn, raises another $50,000 each year for the next five years. To date, the university has raised $15,000 toward the RAM Initiative and must now raise an additional $35,000 by Dec. 31 to meet the match goal. The funds raised will support the RAM Initiative for 2020-2021.

“Our family believes that this is a most worthy program that challenges and helps these students grow,” said Lubert. “We hope additional people will also recognize this and be supportive.”

For the past two years, the RAM (Real Achievement Matters) Initiative pilot has enabled three current non-degree-seeking students with intellectual disabilities to have a full, residential, college-immersion experience at West Chester University.

As the season of giving officially begins, this very special pilot program now needs much more giving as its initial phase nears conclusion. The university has established that ongoing direct and indirect costs will increase $100,000 each year to sustain the RAM Initiative. Committed to making the pilot a permanent program that will enable one to two additional students with intellectual disabilities to enjoy a full college experience at WCU on an annual basis, WCU has joined forces with its West Chester University Foundation and the families of its three current RAM Initiative students to raise $100,000.

“The kindness of Mr. Lubert and the Lubert Family Charitable Foundation, together with all those in our community who have given so generously, is palpable and indicative of the support for student success,” said Deputy Provost Jeffery Osgood. “So many have come together to rally support for our RAM Initiative students and a pilot program that can truly transform lives if funded to be a permanent program. The WCU community is especially grateful. We will continue to work hard to raise the funds challenged by Mr. Lubert and our RAM Initiative students will continue to thrive.”

To help with the planning for the program’s long-term sustainability, the RAM Initiative fund has been established by the WCU Foundation for restricted use of this program only. Community members may contribute to the RAM Initiative through the Foundation’s webpage.

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