GREENFIELD — With a $148,860 state grant, Greenfield Community College is working to expand access to higher education for students with significant intellectual or developmental disabilities through highly individualized support.
Beginning in the fall semester, the college will welcome approximately five students into its inaugural cohort of the Widening Inclusive Networks for Growth & Success (WINGS) program. The program is part of the $3.6 million Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE) initiative, which will enroll students over the age of 18 who have significant intellectual or developmental disabilities and encourage them to participate in academic courses, internships, extracurricular activities and on-campus life, while being supported through peer mentoring, direct support coaches and one-on-one advising.
MAIPSE Coordinator Emily McClintock, who has been working to develop GCC’s WINGS program and recruit potential candidates, said having a “fully supported program” makes it possible for some students to pursue higher education and achieve their goals, whatever those may be.
“This is why I love this work. It’s really the most generic answer I could give: for them to be successful,” McClintock said about the goal of the program. “It looks very different for each student. … The beauty of this program is it’s so highly individualized.”
She said some students may be looking to develop skills and gain experience to set them up to gain paid employment; others are hoping to meet other people their age and enjoy the social aspect of the WINGS program; and some will use it as a step toward a degree.
“For some, this is their stepping stone, like how community college is a stepping stone to a four-year college for many,” McClintock said.
Enrolled students will be required to stay in the program for at least one year, McClintock said. While the length of time each student remains enrolled in the WINGS program will vary depending on their needs and goals, she anticipates students, on average, will stay for four years. In the first semester, students will enroll in any one undergraduate course, with the potential to take two during future semesters.
Additionally, students will be enrolled in a WINGS first-year seminar course taught by McClintock as a college success course. Each week, they will meet with peer mentors and have individual advising meetings with McClintock.
“I’ve seen that’s what really makes a difference in these kinds of programs,” McClintock said. “When I say fully supported, I mean there are so many facets in addition to what’s available for all GCC students currently. … Every student in this program has a direct one-on-one support person.”
McClintock said each student will have a coach who is with them every day they are on campus to assist them in whatever way is “most meaningful to the student.”
“Maybe they take notes for the student in class, or are working with the student after class to break down assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks,” McClintock said. “This is a huge draw for students, families and caregivers.”
In a model schedule, McClintock is anticipating students will spend three days per week on campus, and pupils will be encouraged to join clubs and participate in GCC events, as well as eat lunch on campus or do homework and study in the library with their peers.
McClintock added that in future semesters, she hopes to develop on-campus internship options for WINGS students and work with the GCC Workforce Development staff to develop a credentialed track for students whose goals are more vocational than academic.
“Greenfield Community College has a longstanding commitment to access, inclusion and meeting students where they are,” GCC President Michelle Schutt said in a statement. “Thanks to the MAIPSE initiative, the WINGS program can expand that commitment by creating inclusive pathways that recognize the strengths, talents and potential of students with disabilities. This support helps ensure that all students can fully participate in the academic, social and workforce experiences that are central to college success.”
