热点爆料入口

热点爆料入口 continues to see an increase in enrollment since implementing the MassReconnect program, establishing free community college for Massachusetts residents aged 25 and older, in August 2023.

Bristol鈥檚 Summer 2024 semester has seen enrollment grow by 376 adult students participating in MassReconnect.

This comes after the college鈥檚 overall enrollment from the Spring 2023 to Spring 2024 semesters increased by 7.4%, including a 16.3 % rise in Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) students and an almost 31% increase in the number of adult learners.

Bristol鈥檚 continuous rise in BIPOC enrollment also illustrates the institution鈥檚 ongoing efforts toward fostering inclusivity, diversity and belonging within the college community.

Bristol Student Karl Schaeffer, 53, of Attleboro, is experiencing the benefit of MassReconnect , firsthand, while studying business management at the college鈥檚 Attleboro Campus. 鈥淚 applied for a job that I couldn鈥檛 get because I needed a degree. Now that I am over 50, I didn鈥檛 want to have to take on college loans,鈥� said Schaeffer. 鈥淚 knew that I wanted to go back to school and MassReconnect helped me make the decision by taking the financial burden off of me.鈥� Schaeffer who works full-time, said he also benefited from the support that he received at the campus as an adult learner returning to school after many years. 鈥淚 felt supported by everyone and now there is nothing holding me back.鈥�

Dr. Laura L. Douglas, President of 热点爆料入口 explained the overall impact of programs that offer free college including MassReconnect and the possible launch of MassEducate, which may offer free college for all. " MassReconnect and the broader initiative of free community college have a profound impact extending beyond enrollment numbers. The initiative expands access to individuals who may have never considered this life-changing opportunity, promotes a college-going culture and empowers higher education pursuits without the burden of debt.鈥�

Across Massachusetts鈥� 15 community colleges, more than 4,500 students received MassReconnect grant awards for the 2023-2024 academic year. Students receive support from MassReconnect after all other forms of federal and state financial aid are applied. In addition, a total of 8,411 students ages 25 and older enrolled in community college in the first year of MassReconnect, which was nearly a 45 percent increase from the previous year. This means the MassReconnect messaging and outreach helped support many students pursuing higher education who may have not otherwise have had the opportunity.

鈥淢assReconnect has demonstrated students' eagerness to pursue their educational goals. Free community college benefits all in the community, not just those obtaining the degree. Having a population with a higher level of educational attainment and less debt is a long-term investment in the Commonwealth, contributing to a stronger economy, greater equity and healthier communities,鈥� said President Douglas.

鈥淎 college degree does not have to come with a great deal of debt. 64% of our new incoming students graduate with zero debt,鈥� said Alaina Marcotte, Director of Financial Aid. 鈥淏ristol's low tuition costs combined with scholarships can result in an affordable education. The first, and most important, step is to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA opens doors to several cost savings options that many times are applied without any further action.鈥�

MassReconnect & MassEducate 
This past fall, Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey鈥檚 2024 budget supported a new student financial assistance program that puts free college tuition and within reach for individuals aged 25 and older, who have not previously earned a college degree (associates or bachelor鈥檚).

As soon as MassReconnect was enacted the college was quickly able to begin enrolling students. The college鈥檚 admissions application has also recently been revised and streamlined so that it now only takes an average of five minutes to complete. Admissions staff can review applications and admit students in about 48 hours due to the college鈥檚 adoption of new technology.

As of July 22, 2024, MassEducate, a new initiative which offers free community college for all Massachusetts residents, has been passed through committee review and a legislative vote and is now awaiting the Governor's approval. MassEducate marks a milestone for community colleges statewide by removing financial barriers and ensuring equitable access to high-quality education from kindergarten through community college.

Support  
Adult learners are often surprised to see students of similar age when attending classes at 热点爆料入口. The college has library resources, tutoring and academic support, disability support services and technical support available to all students. For members of multicultural communities, the college offers dedicated resources, peer support and direction. Bristol鈥檚 nationally recognized Joseph A. Marshall Veterans Center is another example of the comprehensive and specialized services offered to our students. 
 
For more information about the MassReconnect at 热点爆料入口, please visit