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Aspire@MassArt

Aspire@MassArt
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Aspire@MassArt
621 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 2115
Program Contact Amante Coppes
Program Contact Email acoppes@massart.edu
Phone 617-879-7213
Website Program website

The Academic Resource Center is pleased to partner with the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI) and Department of Higher Education to bring Aspire@MassArt to our campus.

In recognition of MassArt’s core value to pursue a just, compassionate, and equitable learning environment, Aspire@MassArt provides an opportunity for students with intellectual disabilities and/or autism to be part of the college’s thriving arts community. Students selected for this program have demonstrated artistic abilities and desire to develop those abilities at an art and design school. All students participate in classes, join in community activities and engage in career readiness.

Aspire@MassArt provides an inclusive education for individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism. Students can increase their academic, social, and career outcomes by sharing the same experiences as their college peers and enrolling in undergraduate courses as nondegree-seeking students. Aspire@MassArt students enroll in one class each semester, attend a weekly seminar led by the Aspire@MassArt Coordinator, and participate in extracurricular activities at MassArt and the Colleges of The Fenway.

Program information submitted: January 11, 2024

General
Public or private: Public
Type of school: 4-year college or university
Is this program a federally funded TPSID program? No
Number of students: 8
Affiliates
School district or agency partner: Boston Public School
Contact person: Marcia Fitzpatrick
Email: mfitzpatrick2@bostonpublicschools.org
Requirements
Program serves students who have left high school? Some of our students have left high school
Regular high school diploma required? No, an IEP/non-standard diploma/certificate of attendance is accepted
Deadline to apply to this program: March 1
Criteria for admission
  • Student must be 18 or older
  • no behavioral concerns
Accepts out-of-state students? No
Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have:
  • Intellectual disability
  • Autism
  • Cerebral palsy
Planned program length Varies from student to student
Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates
Acceptance rate for the most recent fall term: 80.00%
Retention rate for first year students from the previous academic year to the current one: 4.00%
Notes on acceptance and attendance: Students apply independently and the sending school districts does not approve
Cost
Average student tuition and fees for the current school year: $15000.00
Average out-of-state tuition, current year: $0.00
Room and board: $0.00
Program fees: $0.00
Additional costs: $0.00
Student art materials
Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)? No
Students pay for the program in the following ways:
  • Adult intellectual/developmental disability state agency funds
  • Local School District funds
Academic
Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): Typical college courses for credit
More about course access: Students take classes with matriculated students. All classes are inclusive.
Students take courses that are only for students in this program: Yes
Information on special classes: Twice a month, we meet as a group to review any issues the students may be having, address college concerns (ie: understanding the syllabus, how to email your professor, etc).
Percentage of academic time spent in inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): 75-99%
Do all students in this program enroll in at least one inclusive college/university course for credit or audit each semester? Yes
Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program: Students can earn a Testament of Completion.
Is the credential approved by the college/university? Yes, this credential has been through a formal approval process at the IHE
Students in the program have access to the following campus-wide services:
  • Disability/accessibility services
  • Mental health/counseling services
  • Access to a transcript via the registrar
  • Academic advising services (not program staff)
Employment
Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: 20%
Other career development activities are:
  • Internships
  • Volunteer work
Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: 0%
Additional information about career development and work experience: We have had students work in the following areas on campus: facilities, library and office.
Does this program have a working partnership with VR to provide funding, supports and/or services to students in the program? No
Housing
Housing is provided to students: No
Extracurricular
Percentage of social time spent in inclusive activities (open to all students on campus): 100%
Students may participate in the following extra-curricular activities
  • Registered student organizations
  • Student government
  • Club sports
  • Campus events