Respite-Based Service-Learning Program for Massachusetts Colleges

The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School is seeking applications from public and private colleges and universities within Massachusetts to implement a credit-bearing service-learning course. This program will connect college students with families who have members with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) to provide in-home respite care. The initiative is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Community Living (ACL), awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) through ForHealth Consulting at UMass Chan. Selected institutions will receive grant funds to adapt curriculum, recruit and train students and families, provide ongoing student support, and implement the respite care service. The program aims to address the need for qualified respite care providers and offer undergraduate students hands-on experience in disability services and community engagement. UMass Chan anticipates distributing a total of $125,000 in grant funds, with up to five institutions receiving up to $25,000 each for an initial 15-month contract term starting around July 1, 2026, and ending around September 30, 2027. Applications are due by May 4, 2026.