GCC Expands Inclusive Higher Education Through MAIPSE Support

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College (GCC) is expanding access to inclusive higher education as part of a statewide investment in the Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE) initiative.

The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced $3.6 million in grant funding awarded across Massachusetts public colleges and universities to support students with severe disabilities.

Thanks to this investment, GCC has been able to hire a dedicated MAIPSE coordinator, Emily McClintock, who has been working since September to build the program and recruit potential candidates.

At GCC, the initiative has been branded as the WINGS (Widening Inclusive Networks for Growth & Success) Program, and is currently recruiting students 18 or older for the fall 2026 semester. Through the program, students with intellectual disabilities, severe autism spectrum disorder, and other significant developmental disabilities will be able to participate in undergraduate academic courses, internships, work experiences, extracurricular activities, and on-campus student life alongside their non-disabled peers.

“Greenfield Community College has a long-standing commitment to access, inclusion, and meeting students where they are,” said Michelle Schutt, president of Greenfield Community College. “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.”

GCC’s participation in the MAIPSE initiative builds on the college’s broader mission to promote equity and access in higher education, including its emphasis on wrap-around support services, workforce preparation, and inclusive campus culture.

“In addition to the strong student support systems established at GCC, our WINGS program offers access to person-centered planning, skill building, and regular comprehensive advising meetings,” McClintock said.