By Tiffany Williams –
Boston, Massachusetts — Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced Thursday she has awarded $3.6 million to public colleges and universities across Massachusetts to support students with disabilities participating in Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education programs.
The funding supports MAIPSE, which enables certain students with severe disabilities to participate in undergraduate academic courses, extracurricular activities, internships, work experiences and on-campus student life. The program includes students with intellectual disabilities, severe autism spectrum disorder and severe developmental disabilities.
Bunker Hill Community College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Mount Wachusett Community College and the University of Massachusetts Lowell are receiving planning grants to develop MAIPSE programs on their campuses.
“We’re lifting barriers for students across our public higher education system,” Governor Maura Healey said. “These grants open doors to the college experience for students with disabilities, so that they can grow their knowledge, skills, and workforce readiness through engagement in classes and campus life.”
“Our entire state benefits when higher education opportunities are as inclusive as possible,” Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said. “I’m proud that Massachusetts has prioritized giving students with disabilities access to the many benefits of higher education.”
The grants follow regulatory changes approved unanimously in April by the Board of Higher Education, which established the MAIPSE program. The regulations stem from the state’s fiscal year 2023 budget, which required all Massachusetts public undergraduate colleges and universities to be prepared to offer opportunities to students 18 and older with severe disabilities who are otherwise unable to meet the requirements to earn a high school diploma. Under the law and its implementing regulations, those students may participate in courses as non-matriculating students alongside their nondisabled peers and engage in campus life. Prior to 2022, such opportunities were limited to students ages 18 to 22.
“Students, regardless of ability, deserve opportunities to engage in the critical thinking and skill development that comes from going to college,” said Secretary of Higher Education Patrick Tutwiler. “These grants will grow and strengthen inclusive enrollment programs that are crucial to higher education equity.”
“I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for supporting inclusive enrollment, and to our colleges and universities for prioritizing serving all students well,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “These grants build on momentum after the state adopted strong and well-informed regulations to guide MAIPSE programs, and we’re heading in the right direction on having a public higher education system that is accessible to all.”
“This funding continues to increase opportunities for people living with disabilities to access higher education, community inclusion and other critical skills to achieve their maximum potential and have meaningful connections and contributions to their communities,” said Department of Developmental Services Commissioner Sarah Peterson. “This is another example of the Healey-Driscoll Administration helping make Massachusetts a leader in higher education for all students, and we thank Higher Education for their partnership and commitment to this vital program.”
Sixteen public colleges and universities are receiving continuation funding to sustain existing MAIPSE programs, while additional planning and implementation grants will support campuses developing or expanding programs.
“Massachusetts succeeds when residents living with disabilities are empowered to live life on their own terms,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka. “The Legislature’s investment in the MAIPSE program at Framingham State University advances that principle for residents across MetroWest, as it does for each community and institution that receives these resources. I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for making this program a priority and for expeditiously distributing these funds.”
“I’m proud of the House’s longstanding commitment to this program, which ensures that all students have access to higher education opportunities,” House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano said. “Expanding inclusive access to college enables students to grow, contribute, and succeed. I want to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for awarding this critical funding.”
“True inclusivity and accessibility in higher education means ensuring that all students have meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive on our public campuses,” said Sen. Jo Comerford, Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for its continued investment in Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE) programs across the Commonwealth. I am especially glad that Greenfield Community College and UMass Amherst will be receiving grant awards, and I look forward to seeing how this funding expands access and strengthens inclusive pathways to higher education in our region.”
“Every student deserves the opportunity to experience the richness of campus life,” said Rep. Dave Rogers, House chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “The MAIPSE program reflects the House’s ongoing commitment to academic inclusion.”
“Chapter 126 of the Acts of 2022 of the Massachusetts General Law enshrines that students with intellectual disabilities and/or autism be given the opportunity to attend public colleges and universities. This groundbreaking law made us the first state in the country to offer such an opportunity,” said Rep. Sean Garballey. “I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Department of Higher Education, and my colleagues in the Legislature, especially Chairs Michlewitz and Rodrigues, for investing this critical funding to support students across the Commonwealth.”
Dr. Linda Thompson, chair of the Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents and president of Westfield State University, said, “Public higher education has a responsibility to ensure meaningful access for all members of the Commonwealth. The MAIPSE program removes longstanding barriers for students with intellectual disabilities, empowering them to develop academic, employment, and life skills that lead to greater independence and a higher quality of life. We are proud to work with local school districts to continue this inclusive program on our campus, and we are grateful for the continued investment from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education to sustain and grow opportunities that make higher education truly accessible for all residents.”
William Heineman, president of North Shore Community College and chair of the Community College Council of Presidents, said, “The Massachusetts Community Colleges are committed to providing open access education for all and the MAIPSE program helps us fulfill that commitment. These new grants, along with the continuation of existing grants on many of our campuses, will help our schools create inclusive learning environments where all students can participate fully in campus life, develop valuable skills, and gain real-world work experience to prepare them for the future. We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their continued investments in our students.”
Planning and implementation grants for fiscal year 2026 include funding for Greenfield Community College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, UMass Lowell, Bunker Hill Community College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Mount Wachusett Community College. Continuation grants are supporting MAIPSE programs at institutions including Bridgewater State University, Bristol Community College, Cape Cod Community College, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, Holyoke Community College, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Massasoit Community College, Middlesex Community College, Northern Essex Community College, Quinsigamond Community College, Salem State University, UMass Amherst, UMass Boston, Westfield State University and Worcester State University.