Ask Me About College
Ask Me About College follows college student Joe Louisell as he completes a year-long advocacy training program and travels to Washington, D.C., to share his story with lawmakers.
Joe, along with many other students featured in the film, is part of an inclusive post-secondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities.
Featuring
Joe Louisell has a passion for sports and a strong interest in politics. He attends Calvin University’s Life and Career Studies (LCS) program, one of five inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) programs in Michigan. Joe, together with education professor Kate Strater, was one of nine teams from across the nation to participate in the 2025 Think College Policy Advocates program (TCPA).
Kate Strater is a professor in the School of Education at Calvin and Director of the Life and Career Studies (LCS) program. Dr. Strater teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in special education, inclusive teaching, and educational leadership. She, along with Joe Louisell, participated in an advocacy program called Think College Policy Advocates to educate lawmakers about the need for inclusive post-secondary education in America.
The Team
Ask Me About College is directed and produced by award-winning documentary filmmaker and Calvin film & media professor, Sam Smartt (Luminous, Wagonmasters).
Over twenty film & media production students at Calvin University participated in the production.
Contact for more information
Stay in touch for more information about the film’s release!