MCC Proud to Partner on Governor Healey’s MassReconnect Program

On Wednesday, March 1, Middlesex Community College President Phil Sisson participated in a press announcement and follow-up meeting where Governor Maura Healey announced her MassReconnect program. This initiative promises $20 million to the 2024 state budget to allow individuals 25 and older who have completed high school or some college credits to receive a degree or industry credential from a community college at no cost.

“At Middlesex, we understand that receiving an education past high school can transform lives in a number of ways,” President Sisson said. “We also know there are many financial and personal barriers that students face in getting an education that are heightened once an individual reaches an age beyond that of a traditional-aged college student. Community colleges, and MCC in particular, are in a unique position to help adult learners who have credits but no credentials while addressing the workforce shortages of the state. We do so with curriculum and hands-on experiences in all of our programs that are based on deep collaboration and partnership with in-demand industries throughout the state.”

“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. “The MassReconnect 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.”

In the past two years, MCC has made efforts to enhance its career integrated learning opportunities for students, starting with the Biotechnology Learn and Earn program in 2020. Thus far, the program has seen immense success, leading to increased enrollment, retention and graduation numbers, as well as a high number of our graduates receiving full-time job offers before they even graduate from Middlesex.

President Sisson was joined at the events by Tom Lauzon, an MCC partner whose company has assisted many Middlesex students from the biotech program. Lauzon is the Vice President of Gene Therapy Manufacturing from Ultragenyx in Bedford.

Governor Healey’s MassReconnect program is an opportunity for Middlesex to reach a wider population of students and help adult learners complete a credential or earn their associate degrees and certificates. While this meets the employment needs of the state, MCC students gain long-term academic, personal and professional success.

“Our proven track record of career integrated learning, combined with our mission centered on equity and access, places MCC as the best option for adult students looking to reach their goals and advance in their careers,” President Sisson said. “I look forward to partnering with Governor Healey, the Massachusetts community college system, and all of you on this exciting initiative.”