MAIPSE
An initiative that supports young adults with intellectual disabilities in developing independence and self-sufficiency in a higher education setting.
MAIPSE @ MCLA
An initiative that supports young adults with intellectual disabilities in developing independence and self-sufficiency in a higher education setting. Students will participate in courses and student life and have access to supported employment opportunities as fully integrated members of MCLA’s community.
Student Eligibility
Students are eligible for the MAIPSE @ MCLA Program if:
- They have a documented intellectual disability
- They do not have a high school diploma
- They have a demonstrated interest in college or a career
- They have demonstrated basic math, reading, and tech skills
- They have demonstrated some social skills and independence
- They have a recommendation from their support team, such as a teacher, student support specialist, or representative from an adult service agency.
Program Support
Students that do not have funding through the public school system or an adult service
agency can privately fund their experience. Costs include course fees, educational
coaching costs, and activity fees. All students must provide their own transportation.
Students and their sponsors must sign a student agreement that outlines the expectations.
Students will have full access to MCLA’s campus facilities, including residence life,
student activities, and the community. Students will work with MCLA’s MAIPSE Coordinator
to design a modified program of study that allows them to participate in courses that
align with their interests and goals. MAIPSE students will be expected to spend 12
hours a week on campus for every semester that they attend.
Each incoming MAIPSE student will receive an education coach who will attend classes,
help them to complete assignments, and facilitate communication with MCLA faculty.
Students will also be encouraged to participate in campus activities alongside their
Peer Mentors, fellow students who will participate in clubs, organizations, campus
social events with their MAIPSE peers.
how to apply
If you are interested in the MAIPSE Program, please fill out the Request for Information form and someone from our team will get back to you shortly.
FAQs
MCLA defines an intellectual disability in line with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.
Students in the MAIPSE program do not typically take courses for credit, though it is possible. MAIPSE students who complete a mixture of community service, audited courses, and workforce training will receive recognition from the President’s Office as having completed the program.
Students who are interested in applying for the MAIPSE program can request information
using this link.
The MAIPSE Coordinator will meet with the student to determine their eligibility for
the program, as well as better understand their goals and interests. Students will
then complete an application. The application will require information such as a student’s
personal information, including social security number, and the contact information
for a recommender.
MAIPSE students are allowed to take any MCLA class that does not require a pre-requisite. Course selection is made based on the students’ interests and professional goals.
MAIPSE students are expected to attend classes, in alignment with their faculty member’s attendance policy. Additionally, MAIPSE students will be expected to be on-campus for at least twelve total hours per week during the semester. This will allow students the time to participate in clubs, student organizations, meet with their Peer Mentor and Education Coach, and access other campus resources.
MAIPSE students are provided with several layers of support, according to their unique needs. The MAIPSE Coordinator guides students through the program, meeting with them regularly. MAIPSE students will be provided with an education coach who will support students with their classwork, including attending class with them and hosting study sessions with them to ensure that they are completing their agreed assignments. Peer mentors are also available MAIPSE students will also have full access to MCLA’s wraparound services, including the food pantry, essential needs center, and technical support through the Office of Disability Resources.
The education coach will provide one-to-one support for students in the classroom. They will also meet with the students weekly to ensure that assignments are being completed, and that students’ work is aligning with their study plan. The education coach will help with self-advocacy, study skills, and communication with the faculty members.
Peer mentors are fellow MCLA students that will facilitate the relationships between MAIPSE students and the campus community. Mentors will accompany students to community events, provide additional tutoring and academic support.
MAIPSE tuition includes the course costs, administrative and activities fees, as well
as the cost of the Education Coach. The average cost per semester for commuting students
is $7,500. This cost varies widely depending on the addition of a meal plan, residency,
and the amount of classes a student is taking.
Our rates are as follows:
| ITEM | COST | UNIT RATE | INCLUSION |
| Credit-Bearing Course per Credit | $180 | By credit | Required |
| Audited Course per Credit | $75 | By credit | Required |
| Ed Coach Hourly Rate | $30 | Hours | Required |
| Activity Fees | $150 | Standard | Required |
| Program Fee | $3,500 | Standard | Required |
| Dining Plan per Semester | $801 | Semester | Optional |
| Residency | $4,975 | Standard | Optional |
Funding options for MAIPSE include seeking sponsorship with the MA Department of Disability
Services or MassAbility. For students still enrolled in a Berkshire County public
school system, the schools are required to cover the cost of transition services.
Students will be expected to provide their own transportation. Fiscal sponsors including adult service agencies, families, or school districts will be expected to arrange a transportation plan for the student.