Specifications include, but are not limited to: The purpose of this state-funded competitive grant program is to establish and strengthen sustained partnerships between high schools in public school districts and public colleges and universities to offer inclusive concurrent enrollment residence life opportunities for students with severe disabilities (as defined in Section 1 of chapter 71B of the General Laws) between the ages of 18 and 22, inclusive. Programs will serve students in one of three categories: (1) Students, 18 to 22, who have not passed and/or are not likely to achieve the competency determination necessary for graduation by passing the MCAS exam because of the severe nature of their intellectual disabilities, and are eligible for special education services as documented through an Individualized Education Program (IEP); or (2) Students, 20 to 21, who have passed MCAS, but are still eligible for special education with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) because of significant functional disabilities, transition needs, etc. (3) Provided further, that on a discretionary basis public institutions of higher education may choose to additionally include students with severe developmental disabilities over the age of 21 through said grant program.
