Boston, MA (January 8, 2026) — Northern Essex Community College will receive $180,000 to continue to support students with disabilities participating in Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE) programs. MAIPSE enables certain students with severe disabilities to participate in undergraduate academic courses, extracurricular activities, internships, work experiences, and on-campus student life activities. This includes students with intellectual disabilities, severe autism spectrum disorder, and severe developmental disabilities.

The continued funding is part of a $3.6 million award announced by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to support or implement MAIPSE programs across the state’s public colleges and universities.

“We’re lifting barriers for students across our public higher education system,” said Governor Maura Healey. “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,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I’m proud that Massachusetts has prioritized giving students with disabilities access to the many benefits of higher education.”

In April 2025, the Board of Higher Education unanimously approved the administration’s proposed regulations that established the MAIPSE program. These 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 for those students 18 and over with severe disabilities who are otherwise not able to achieve the underlying requirements needed to secure a high school diploma. Under the 2023 law and these implementing regulations, such students can participate in courses as non-matriculating students with their nondisabled peers and engage in other aspects of campus life. Prior to 2022, these opportunities were limited to students ages 18-22.

“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.”

The MAIPSE program at Northern Essex is managed by the Center for Accessibility Resources and Services (CARS). CARS facilitates accommodations to provide equal access and support services to all Northern Essex programs and activities. Learn more by visiting the webpage.

FY26 Planning and Implementation Grants 
Greenfield Community College: $148,860
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts: $103,235
UMass Lowell: $150,207
Bunker Hill Community College: $160,000
Massachusetts Maritime Academy: $111,468
Mount Wachusett Community College: $132,335

FY26 Continuation Grants 
Bridgewater State University – Day: $137,610
Bridgewater State University – Residence Life: $239,251
Bristol Community College: $187,050
Cape Cod Community College: $185,800
Fitchburg State University: $225,019
Framingham State University: $159,945
Holyoke Community College: $76,740
Massachusetts College of Art & Design: $128,343
Massasoit Community College: $157,949
Middlesex Community College: $148,312
Northern Essex Community College: $180,000
Quinsigamond Community College: $148,993
Salem State University – Day: $159,974
Salem State University – Residence Life: $186,313
UMass Amherst: $180,000
UMass Boston: $176,032
Westfield State University: $266,579
Worcester State University: $160,000

This article is adapted from a press release from the Healey-Driscoll Administration.