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MCB explains tuition assistance, reader fees and academic eligibility for sponsored students
Summary
Britney Taylor of MCB outlined how the agency calculates assistance, the requirement to file FAFSA for tuition funding, a Massachusetts tuition waiver for state schools, $650 per‑semester books and supplies, and reader fees of up to 15 hours per month at minimum wage.
Britney Taylor, vocational rehabilitation and children’s services supervisor for MCB’s Metro West region, presented MCB’s adult‑services and funding rules for students who enroll in post‑secondary education while receiving MCB services.
Taylor said MCB does not award scholarships or grants but may provide tuition assistance based on financial need as documented on the FAFSA. She said a Massachusetts state tuition waiver can eliminate tuition at in‑state public institutions, but fees and other charges typically remain and may make unmet need substantial. "Tuition is actually a very small number in the grand scheme of things," she said.
Taylor explained MCB’s process: students submit an "intent to begin college" and the agency uses an information‑exchange form completed by the school (drawing on FAFSA data) to calculate unmet need. MCB divides payments by semester and will only provide funding if FAFSA is on file. She warned that prematurely accepting loans before the information exchange can affect how much MCB can contribute.
Books and supplies funding is separate from tuition: MCB can provide up to $650 per semester for books and supplies; purchases over $50 require prior approval. Reader fees are available regardless of FAFSA: students may hire a reader (family member, roommate, or other) for up to 15 hours per month at the state minimum wage (the session cited $15/hour) and submit timesheets for reimbursement. Taylor also spelled out academic eligibility: MCB expects full‑time enrollment (generally 15 credit hours) and a minimum 2.0 semester GPA for continued tuition assistance; if a student’s GPA falls below 2.0, tuition funding can be reinstated once performance improves, though MCB does not pay to repeat courses.
Taylor encouraged students to notify their vocational rehabilitation counselor immediately of changes (address, financial aid awards, major changes or withdrawals) because such changes can alter funding calculations. She also described MCB internship supports, including a summer internship stipend (example cited: $1,000 for a minimum 120‑hour internship) and training for job readiness.
Taylor’s presentation closed with an emphasis on communication: students must keep MCB informed and work with their vocational rehabilitation counselor to set expectations and maintain eligibility.
