With MassReconnect, Eligible Students Can Attend MCC for FREE

After dropping out in his senior year, Zachary Fumia, of Chelmsford, promised to return to school one day if it was free. Middlesex Community College and MassReconnect helped make that possible for him.

“MCC basically has done everything for me on their end, so I barely had to worry at all aside from applying for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid),” Fumia said. “My experience has been great so far and my classes have been covered financially.”

MassReconnect assists Massachusetts residents 25+ who do not have a degree in earning an associate degree or certificate from the college at no cost to them. The state-funded program provides access to higher education for many individuals who always wanted to pursue higher education, but did not have the money, time or resources to attend college, among other reasons.

An Information Technology (IT) Networking and User Support major, Fumia learned about MassReconnect from a friend. He was directed to MCC because he was familiar with the college through its proximity to home and his mother previously graduating with an associate degree.

By offering flexible options, MCC also helps students make the time to fit education in their lives. This includes the ability to choose between taking on-campus, online, hybrid and hyflex formats, as well as accelerated courses.

Fumia has taken advantage of MCC’s three-week, Spring semester WinterSession in order to complete classes while most other schools are on break. Eligible MassReconnect students can also register for accelerated classes as part of MCC’s Spring 2024 Mini-mester II.

Starting mid-way through the semester, MCC’s Spring Mini-mester II provides students with a second chance to start or continue taking classes.In just eight weeks, MCC’s Mini-mesters offer the same content, academic standards, and number of instructional hours as courses scheduled during the traditional 15-week semester.

Mini-mesters allow students to complete general education requirements and earn credits in a shorter amount of time. They also are an opportunity to explore a variety of subjects, including arts and humanities, business, education, health, social science, public service and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

As he completes his degree for free at Middlesex, Fumia is looking ahead to his next steps.

“I would like to continue my education at UMass Lowell and maybe even get a job there someday,” Fumia said. “I currently have a 4.0 overall and I'm proud of my work and excited for the future once I can earn my degree.”

MCC’s Spring 2024 Mini-mester II begins Monday, March 25. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ for more information and to register for classes.