Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI)

Peer mentors are current UMass Boston undergraduate students. Peer mentors support students enrolled in UMass Boston MAICEI by promoting friendship development, exploring campus, and encouraging involvement in clubs and activities.

UMass Boston students can find the MAICEI Peer Mentor application on Handshake.

MAICEI programs are for students with intellectual disabilities and autism who:

• are 18 to 22 years of age, have not passed the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exam, and are eligible for special education services documented through an Individualized Education Program (IEP); or
• are 20 to 21 years of age, have passed MCAS, but are still eligible for special education services through an IEP because of significant functional disabilities and/or transition needs.

Are you a student or family member interested in UMass Boston MAICEI? Contact your school district's transition coordinator to begin the conversation about college-based transition services.

This timeline is for teachers, families, and students preparing to enroll in UMass Boston MAICEI. It includes tasks for all members of the transition team to consider, from recruitment through new student orientation.

“Concurrent enrollment” means that participating students are still eligible for special education services, even though they have finished four years of high school. Students who are enrolled in UMass Boston MAICEI are receiving special education transition services at the same time through their school district.

Evidence shows that students benefit academically and transition to young adulthood more independently when they can engage in the array of academic, social, and career development activities that are typical for all college students on campus, rather than remain in high school for transition services.

Students participating in UMass Boston MAICEI are fully included in the campus community. They can focus on career planning and employment, self-advocacy, and other self-determination skills that support their post-secondary interests and activities.

Students participate in:

• Inclusive college courses that support their personal, academic, and career goals
• Social activities on campus, including student organizations and other extracurricular activities
• Person-centered planning
• On-campus internships/ paid work opportunities
• Independent travel and travel training

MAICEI programs offer important learning experiences for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. MAICEI programs have also made college and university communities more inclusive. They have strengthened person-centered policies and practices for everyone involved in the transition experience, including students, family members, school personnel, and adult service providers.