Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is looking to make college more affordable for adults who want to go back to school.
Part of the governor’s FY 2024 budget includes $20 million dollars for the MassReconnect program which could potentially put a college education with the reach of 1.8 million Baystate residents.
Bristol Community College President Dr. Laura Douglas welcomes the governor’s proposal. She says nearly 3000 students dropped out of Bristol during the pandemic and the MassReconnect program is a great way for adult learners to get back to the classroom.
President Douglas says local companies are still in need of individuals to fill high-skilled, well-paying jobs and those who take advantage of returning to college can be at the front of the line of meeting that need.
President Douglas also applauded the governor’s call to increase funding for early college programs for high school students and money to help students’ basic needs. She is hopeful the MassReconnect program can be up and running as soon as possible.
President Douglas says if the MassReconnect program is a success there may be an opportunity to expand free community college to traditional college-aged students.
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