In late August, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey launched a new education initiative that will make community college free for residents 25 and older.
In total, 15 Massachusetts community colleges will participate in this program. Each school was awarded $100,000 to put towards implementation.
“Make your Dream of Higher Education a Reality with MassReconnect (the program name),” Mass.edu states in announcing the program. The goal here is to ultimately make higher education accessible and affordable for all applicable residents who desire a degree. Furthermore, in addition to MassReconnect covering your tuition, you will get an allowance to cover the cost of books and supplies.
Governor Healey said, “It will bolster the role of community colleges as economic drivers in our state and help us better meet the needs of businesses to find qualified, well-trained workers.”
How To Apply
First, interested individuals need to seek at their local community college to ensure they are part of the program. Then, the 23-24 FAFSA must be completed. The final step is to enroll at your community college. Finally, “MassReconnect awards will be made directly by the community colleges at the point of enrollment throughout the academic year,” the program explains.
How To Determine Eligibility
The student must be 25 or older on the first day of classes. However, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year at the start of your term. You must also intend on remaining a Bay State resident.
What Are The Eligible Colleges?
In conclusion, here is the list of the Massachusetts public institutions that will be part of MassReconnect, allowing community college to be free for those 25 and older.
Berkshire Community College
Bristol Community College
Bunker Hill Community College
Cape Cod Community College
Greenfield Community College
Holyoke Community College
Massasoit Community College
MassBay Community College
Middlesex Community College
Mount Wachusett Community College
Northern Essex Community College
North Shore Community College
Quinsigamond Community College
Roxbury Community College
Springfield Technical Community College