MAIPSE
An initiative that supports young adults with intellectual disabilities in developing independence and self-sufficiency in a higher education setting.
MAIPSE At MCLA and Berkshire Community College
Students will participate in courses and student life and have access to supported employment opportunities as fully integrated members of MCLA and BCC communities. Each Student will have full access to MCLA and BCC campus facilities, including residence life, student activities, and the community. Students will work with the 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 faculty members. 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.
Student Eligibility
Students are eligible for the MAIPSE 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.
learn more
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.
Lisa Richards
MAIPSE Coordinator
lisa.richards@mcla.edu
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.
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.
Request Information
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.