Community of Inclusive Scholars Program

The Community of Inclusive Scholars provides a supported inclusive college experience for students 18-26* with with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and autism.

*students must apply by age 24.

What Makes CIS Different?

Students are fully included into college life: students take classes, participate in social activities, can live in residence halls, and access university supports alongside traditional students
After two years, students are eligible to attain a university credential in acknowledgement of their achievements
CIS combines academic coursework, employment opportunities and community life programming to help prepare students for increased independence as young adults.

Partnership Program

Students with documented disability: intellectual, autism spectrum, and developmental disabilities.
Students 18-22 who remain eligible for special education services through their district

Horizons Program

Students 22-26 with documented disability: intellectual, autism spectrum, and developmental disabilities who have not obtained a diploma and are no longer eligible for services through their district.
Students 18+ who have obtained a diploma are eligible under private pay.

Academics

Coursework and Academic Supports
Employment

Internships and Career Skill Building
Campus Life

Social Activities and Residence Life Opportunities

A group of CIS students on the soccer field

Apply to the Community of Inclusive Scholars

Ready to learn more? Visit our admissions page for deadlines, eligibility and application requirements.

Admissions information

Students in the CIS program work toward building the skills, experience, and resources they need for life after graduation.

Financial independence: We work with students to develop the skills and opportunities that can support stable income, long-term employment, and greater self-sufficiency. While these are goals we work toward, outcomes may vary for each student.
Skill development: skills acquired are transferable. CIS helps students develop skills that employers value.
Social: maintain friendships made at SSU, plan social events, expanded social connections with those in work environment
Independent living: some graduates live in supported housing
Improved mental and emotional well-being: have a network of friends, social connections, feel valued member of their community
Increased independence: able to use public transportation and Uber/Lyft to go to work, meet friends, and shop for themselves

Student Outcomes

Further education: North Shore Community College, ROOT, community college, four-year university
Employment: Essex County District Attorney's office, retail, food service, customer service MBTA, UPS, adult community living centers, day care assistants

Funding for students in CIS Partnership is a combination of MA Department of Higher Education grants and district funding.

Funding for students in CIS Horizons may be eligible for a combination of MA Department of Higher Education grants and funding through adult service agencies.

Students 18+ who are no longer eligible for district or agency funding may pay privately.

The Community of Inclusive Scholars is part of the MAIPSE initiative. Find additional programs in Massachusetts here.

Program Requirements	Course Enrollment	Advising and Academic Enrichment	Career Exploration and Internship Experience	Community Engagement
Minimum of 23 program hours per week to include SSU course work, advising, participation in CIS seminars, campus involvement and participation and work-based internship.	Two SSU courses each semester for audit or credit (based on career goals and personal interests).	Bi-weekly staff check-in meetings (academic focus).	Bi-weekly staff check-in meetings (career focus).	Participation in weekly CIS community meetings, clubs, activities, organizations, campus events, and service opportunities.
Progress toward individualized student goals. Completion in two academic calendar years.	Active participation in classes, including attendance, engagement, assignments, and assessments, with supports as needed.	Person-Centered Planning (PCP) to guide student vision, goals, and academic pathway.	Participation in career seminars focusing on foundational skills for employment, interviewing skills, resumes and applying for jobs. Self-advocacy in the workplace is also discussed.	Weekly peer mentor meetings to support campus involvement, social connection, and participation
Development of self-advocacy, independence, daily living, and transition skills.	Executive Functioning Coaches support students in classes, internship sites and campus activities as needed.	Academic support with an Executive Functioning Coach: time management, organization, study skills, planning, and daily living skills	Weekly internship or work-based learning experience based on work-based learning plan and career goals. Internship support from Executive Functioning Coach.	Development of social skills, independent living skills, and a sense of belonging in the campus community.

Program Requirements

Course Enrollment

Advising and Academic Enrichment

Career Exploration and Internship Experience

Community Engagement

Minimum of 23 program hours per week to include SSU course work, advising, participation in CIS seminars, campus involvement and participation and work-based internship.

Two SSU courses each semester for audit or credit (based on career goals and personal interests).

Bi-weekly staff check-in meetings (academic focus).

Bi-weekly staff check-in meetings (career focus).

Participation in weekly CIS community meetings, clubs, activities, organizations, campus events, and service opportunities.

Progress toward individualized student goals.

Completion in two academic calendar years.

Active participation in classes, including attendance, engagement, assignments, and assessments, with supports as needed.

Person-Centered Planning (PCP) to guide student vision, goals, and academic pathway.

Participation in career seminars focusing on foundational skills for employment, interviewing skills, resumes and applying for jobs. Self-advocacy in the workplace is also discussed.

Weekly peer mentor meetings to support campus involvement, social connection, and participation

Development of self-advocacy, independence, daily living, and transition skills.

Executive Functioning Coaches support students in classes, internship sites and campus activities as needed.

Academic support with an Executive Functioning Coach: time management, organization, study skills, planning, and daily living skills

Weekly internship or work-based learning experience based on work-based learning plan and career goals. Internship support from Executive Functioning Coach.

Development of social skills, independent living skills, and a sense of belonging in the campus community.

Contact Us

Chris Lenahan

Rachel Connary
Assistant Director

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