Northwestern NEXT approved as comprehensive transition program Thursday, January 14, 2021 Northwestern NEXT, Northwestern College’s two-year program for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities, has been approved as a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program (CTP) by the U.S. Department of Education. The designation enables students to be eligible for federal financial aid. Only one other Iowa college or university has a CTP. There are only five other CTP programs among members of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. As of Dec. 31, the Department of Education recognized 129 CTP programs across the country. “Being named a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program means we have established certain standards that are acceptable to the U.S. Department of Education,” says John Menning, Northwestern NEXT coordinator. “Having this stamp of approval lets parents know we would be a great option for their son or daughter with a disability.”