The Baker administration recently released $20,000 in grant funding aimed at planning a partnership model for the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment program between Salem State University and school districts in Salem and Rockport. The North Shore Education Consortium, a Beverly-based regional educational collaborative serving 54 school districts, will also be a partner.
The Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (ICEI) offers grants to fund programs supporting public high school students with severe disabilities, ages 18-22, who have not passed MCAS, the opportunity to participate in inclusive college courses (credit or non-credit) to increase their school and work success. Research shows that students benefit academically and transition to young adulthood more readily when they have the opportunity to engage in all college-related activities rather than staying at high school. Student participation in this grant program may be incorporated into a student’s transition program, as determined through the school district’s special education process.
“Increasing the diversity of our workforce to include more young adults with intellectual disabilities complements our administration’s commitment to developing economic vitality,” said Governor Baker. “The Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment initiative is a national model for building learning experiences and academic achievements for lifelong success.”
The grant award announced today will facilitate a planning partnership led by Salem State in conjunction with educators from the Salem and Rockport public school systems. The partnership will also include the North Shore Education Consortium in Beverly. The partnership is intended to create a program that gives students access to college academics and other college related activities.
“Creating a variety of career development pathways for all students, including those with intellectual disabilities is an important priority,” said Secretary of Education James Peyser. “The academic and social opportunities in which these students will engage due to this grant program will afford them advantages over their peers and will prepare them well for the workforce demands of the future.”
Funded by the Commonwealth since 2008, the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment program has grown to 14 public two-and four-year institutions supporting over 800 students. During the 2015 – 2016 academic year, a total of 130 students were enrolled in the program.
Massachusetts supports funding for the planning grant to Salem State University through a discrete line item in the state budget, one of the few states to provide college and university opportunities for young adults with intellectual disabilities while they are still in high school. More information about the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative can be found here.