Words by Tess Becker
Massachusetts is offering free community college to people over the age of 25. The program, called MassReconnect, featured in Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey's inauguration speech and her first budget proposal.
The budget, which was signed into law earlier this month, includes $20 million for the first year of implementation. Each of the 15 community colleges in Massachusetts will recieve $100,000 to help launch the program.
“This is a long-term investment not just in these students, ultimately, that redounds to the benefit of their families. But it also is about an investment in our state,” Healey said.
To qualify, students who have not previously earned a college degree need to enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading toward an associate degree or certificate and complete the Free Application for Student Aid.
“MassReconnect will be transformative for thousands of students, for our amazing community colleges, and for our economy,” said Healey.
“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. We can also make progress in breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty by helping residents complete their higher education credentials so they can attain good jobs and build a career path.”
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Save The Children. A global children’s charity that runs programmes to break down barriers to education. Find out more.
TheirWorld. This charity works globally to ensure every child has the best start possible in life. Discover their work.
UNICEF. The UN’s organization running programmes to uphold the rights of children around the world. Read more.
