CIS Partnership

CIS Partnership

  • MAIPSE students are 18-22 years old, who are unable to pass the MCAS exams or have passed MCAS but still qualify for special education services, are currently on an IEP, and are enrolled in a partnership district. The ultimate goal of the Community of Inclusive Scholars Program is to prepare students for paid employment through the promotion of self-determination, self-advocacy, increased independence, and improvement of social skills.
  • Ideal participants desire to go to college to learn skills to enable them to live independently. Participants will be considered matriculated students, gaining access to all extracurricular activities and academic support.

Admissions Criteria

  • Primary disability severe intellectual, developmental or autism spectrum
  • Age is 18-22 upon admission to the program and has not accepted a traditional high school diploma
  • Currently has an IEP
  • Has demonstrated they have successfully accessed accommodations and/or other instructional supports in a high school general education content area course
  • Has means of independent communication
  • Has a satisfactory record of school attendance
  • Has the desire to attend a post-secondary college 

Application Process

All referrals must come from partner school districts. Contact a CIS staff member for more information on becoming a partner district. Applications are submitted jointly by the student and partnership district, and reviewed by the Community of Inclusive Scholars Committee for enrollment.

  • Upon receipt of the application, an observation will be scheduled at the student’s high school
  • Prospective candidates and their families will participate in a visit to Salem State University to include attendance in a Salem State undergraduate course. During the visit, a personal interview will be held with the prospective student and their family.
  • Documents required:
    • IEP
    • Most recent testing – within three years
    • Transcript
    • Attendance record
    • Transition planning document 
    • Three letters of reference
    • Personal statement

Information for Students

  • Enroll in two courses per semester
  • Participate in organization and study skills classes 
  • Participate in a community life group
  • Access peer tutoring through the Center of Academic Excellence and Writing Center
  • Access the Gassett Fitness Center
  • Participate in student organizations and clubs
  • Access paid and unpaid internships on and off campus
    • Participate in travel training
    • Second-year students may be invited to apply to live on campus. Check out the Community Life section for more information about living on campus

Information For Parents

Many parents have the desire to see their student participate in a higher education program. The Community for Inclusive Scholars Program supports parents during the transition from high school to post-secondary programming. CIS has a Partnership Leadership Team which parents are welcome to join. This is an excellent opportunity for parents to participate in the continued growth of CIS.

Parental involvement helps students:

  • Take ownership of their goals, interests, and needs, and create a path to employment
  • Support their student in acquiring skills in advocacy and self-determination
  • Become independent learners and active in identifying and participating in campus activities

Information for Districts

  • Districts may become a “partnership” district by referring a student for admission to CIS
  • Districts are required to provide an education coach
  • A participation fee is assessed for enrollment. The fee is established by December before the next academic year.

Past and Current Partnerships

Gloucester Rockport
Hamilton-Wenham Salem
Ipswich SEEM Collaborative
Masconmet Swampscott
Marblehead Wakefield
Melrose Wilmington
Methuen Winchester
North Reading Woburn
Reading  
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