WORCESTER, MA – January 22, 2026 – Quinsigamond Community College has received a $148,993 grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to support its Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE) program. MAIPSE programs provide adults with significant disabilities, ages 18 to 22, with integrated access to higher education.
QCC's MAIPSE program provides resources to students, including textbooks, laptops and peer support. Peer mentors assist with classroom navigation, social engagement and completing coursework assignments. The funding also supports presentations and speakers on topics such as neurodiversity.
“This investment benefits students in the program, but also the campus community because we are all receiving education about disabilities,” said Director of Student Accessibility Services & Assistive Technology Kristen Proctor. “Community colleges are perfect for MAIPSE because having all students belonging and learning together parallels the mission of QCC and embeds inclusion into the fabric of the college.”
After partnering with seven local schools for referrals, the MAIPSE program has grown to over 20 students, with signs of continued growth and demand, according to Proctor.
“Sometimes you don’t know when you have assumptions and biases about students who have more significant disabilities. This program helps people understand that the limitations we put on people might not be needed,” said Student Accessibility Services Coordinator Cassandra Estey.
Many students in the MAIPSE program have been in self-contained classrooms throughout the majority of their lives. Being in a QCC classroom offers an integrated setting and room for growth. Staff who work with MAIPSE students have noticed an increase in their communication skills, especially when interacting with non-disabled adults in the community. Estey noted that these interactions can improve the communication skills of non-disabled adults as well, especially those coming directly from high school.
Estey has witnessed several students find success after the MAIPSE program, by enrolling at QCC as fully matriculated students or going on to obtain employment in areas they might not have considered before completing the program. One such student gained employment at Assabet Valley Collaborative after gaining interest and skills from a psychology course.