Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI)
The Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI) program at the University of Massachusetts Boston offers inclusive higher education opportunities to partnering school districts that support high school students with intellectual disabilities and autism, ages 18-22. Students can increase their academic, social, and career outcomes by sharing the same experiences as their college peers and enrolling in undergraduate courses as non-degree-seeking students.
The state-funded [Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative] (MAICEI) supports partnerships between local school districts and two- and four-year public colleges and universities in Massachusetts.
Partnerships
We are currently partnering with Boston Collegiate, Brooke Charter Schools, Malden, Somerville, Winthrop, and Revere.
Interested in becoming a partner? Contact the Program Coordinator or attend a virtual information session!
Enrollment for our program is only through school district partnerships. We do not have a private pay option at this time.
Application Process:
Students may apply for fall or spring enrollment. The application requires student and district transition staff signatures.
Application Deadlines:
- Due February 20th for fall start
- Due October 20th for spring start
Send applications by email to: Ashley.luce@umb.edu
Download ApplicationVirtual Information Sessions
We encourage all interested students, families, and school districts to attend a virtual information session, to learn more about UMass Boston MAICEI.
Sign up for a virtual session:
Sign UpContact Information
For questions, contact:
Ashley Luce
MAICEI Program Coordinator
Email: Ashley.luce@umb.edu
Phone: (617) 297-6797
For Peer Mentors
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.
FAQs
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.
UMass Boston MAICEI In the News!
Partnership Leadership Team
The Partnership Leadership Team is composed of representatives from partnering school districts, key personnel from the college administration and teaching faculty, college alumni, representatives from the Department of Developmental Services, parent representatives, and the MAICEI program director and coordinator. The Partnership Leadership Team meets six times a year and plays a key role in the implementation and oversight of the initiative.
For more information about College-Based Transition Services, check out the Think College Resource Library
Institute for Community Inclusion
University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 297- 6797