At the Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education’s (MAIPSE) annual Emerging Trends conference, held at UMass Boston on June 4, Massasoit MAIPSE Coordinator Jana Amoroso received the MAIPSE Coordinator of the Year Award.
Jana was selected among all of the MAIPSE Coordinators at the state’s community colleges, state universities, and UMass system. Nominated by State Director of Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education Mary Price, Jana was lauded for going “…above and beyond in her role, creating the best possible opportunities for the MAIPSE students at Massasoit Community College.” Director Price further noted that Jana’s “… innovative approach has benefited her students so they can experience the inclusive college experience by having access to campus resources, job opportunities, and social events which are aligned with the MAIPSE mission.”
Jana responded to receiving the award: “I am truly grateful to be acknowledged as the MAIPSE Coordinator of the Year. This honor would not be possible without the unwavering support of the faculty and staff here at Massasoit. My passion has always been education and being part of the MAIPSE program allows me to support adults with intellectual disabilities to receive an inclusive education alongside their non-disabled peers. This acknowledgement solidifies the importance of the work being done with the MAIPSE program across Massachusetts and I am honored to be part of the difference being made in these students' lives.”
MAIPSE provides opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities who are 18 and over to attend public colleges and universities in Massachusetts. Students are supported as they take courses with peers, engage in social activities on campus, and participate in campus internships. The Department of Higher Education administers and funds MAIPSE to support partnerships between two- and four-year public colleges and universities in Massachusetts, local school districts and adult state disability agencies.