Free MA Community College Outlined In Gov's Budget

MASSACHUSETTS — Gov. Maura Healey released a 2024 state budget proposal Wednesday that will include money for a program to cover the cost of community college for Massachusetts residents over 25 without college degrees.

The program, called MassReconnect, will come alongside several other investments in education and workforce development programs, such as Early College and Innovation Pathways, the Community College SUCCESS fund, the Healthcare Worker Training and AFL-CIO Workforce Development programs, and the Career Technical Institutes and Registered Apprenticeship Programs, the office said.

“Workforce shortages have impacted nearly all sectors of our economy, but we have an incredible opportunity before us to train the next generation of workers and increase opportunities for all,” Governor Healey said in the release. “TheMassReconnect program, as well as the other investments in education and workforce development that we call for in our budget, will be transformative for hundreds of thousands of our residents. More students than ever before will be able to advance or complete their educations and set themselves up for a successful career in in-demand industries like health care, engineering, advanced manufacturing and tech.”

The budget includes $20 million to create MassReconnect, which would give more than $1.8 million residents who have a high school diploma or equivalency — many of whom are students of color — the financial flexibility to consider advancing their education without having to worry about incurring unaffordable debt. The program would offer students last-dollar financial support to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies as well as provide funding for career and wraparound support services to encourage retention and degree completion, the office said.

The program could also help bring back students who have received some college credit but did not finish their degree, the office said, adding that as of July 2020, nearly 696,000 Massachusetts residents had some college credit but no degree — the majority of whom are over 25.

Funding more other programs include $18 million for the Community College SUCCESS fund, $17.9 million to support Career Technical Institutes, and $16.2 million for Youthworks, subsidizing wages for summer jobs for at-risk youth and facilitating career development for 14- to 25-year-olds to reduce juvenile delinquency and young adult homelessness.

“Our administration is committed to providing more equitable education and career pathways, which will expand opportunity for all and strengthen our economy,” Lieutenant Governor Driscoll said. “Community colleges, vocational and technical schools, apprenticeship programs and early college all provide meaningful opportunities for students to prepare for their future careers and set themselves up for success. We’re excited to launch MassReconnect and increase investments in many of the proven programs that are already serving our residents so well.”