Redwood SEED Scholars Build Independent Lives After Graduation

Four graduates of the first graduating class of the Redwood SEED Scholars program at UC Davis are taking a new step in their journey toward independence: living together in a shared home in Davis while working, managing daily responsibilities and building lives rooted in community.

Now living together after completing the program, the four graduates are putting those skills into practice. They support one another in navigating daily routines, maintaining a household and pursuing jobs in the local community. The arrangement offers a supportive environment that mirrors the independence many college graduates seek as they transition into adulthood.

The Redwood SEED program emphasizes that independence does not happen in isolation. Through mentorship, job placements and community partnerships, the program helps scholars build networks that continue supporting them beyond graduation.

Their shared home represents a milestone not only for the four graduates but also for the broader movement toward inclusive higher education. Programs like Redwood SEED demonstrate how universities can create pathways for students with intellectual disabilities to pursue college experiences, meaningful employment and independent living.

As these graduates establish their lives in Davis, their story reflects the program’s core vision: preparing scholars not just to succeed in college, but to thrive in their communities long after their time on campus.

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