Massachusetts DDS LPN Certificate Program 2026 — Direct Support Workforce Pathway

Massachusetts DDS is accepting eligible direct-support employees into a 30-slot statewide LPN certificate pathway on a rolling basis, with DDS paying tuition and fees going forward for accepted participants in approved programs.

FundingDDS pays eligible tuition and fees going forward for accepted participants in approved LPN certificate programs. The state does not publish a single per-participant cash award; 30 program slots are available statewide.

DeadlineRolling until available slots are filled. DDS says regional selection committees began reviewing applications March 9, 2026 and make decisions as applications arrive. The current page does not state that the program has closed.

Last verifiedAugust 30, 2026

Required next actionConfirm you are an eligible DDS employee in good standing, verify the required service history, apply to and gain acceptance from an approved participating LPN certificate program, then submit the DDS program application with the required acceptance verification. Because only 30 slots are available statewide, confirm remaining capacity with DDS before relying on funding.

Broad Eligibility

The program is open to qualifying DDS Direct Support Workers, Recreation Therapists and Residential Supervisors who meet the program's employment and good-standing requirements. DDS states applicants generally must have worked full-time in an eligible DDS role for at least two years as of July 1, 2026 and must first be accepted into an approved participating LPN certificate program.

Atlas Analysis

A high-value workforce pipeline opportunity for frontline developmental-services staff who want to advance into nursing. It is not a traditional organizational grant; Atlas includes it because DDS directly covers education costs and the program can expand the nursing pipeline serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Availability is capacity-limited and should be confirmed before enrollment decisions are made.

Source verificationOfficial government source · www.mass.govAtlas last verified this record August 30, 2026. Always use the funder's current application materials, amendments and portal instructions as the controlling source.View source and application materials ↗