|
BOSTON
- Thursday, March 30, 2023 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Worker Empowerment
Cabinet today announced a $4 million investment to expand the Tuition-Free
Community College (TFCC) Plan, a City initiative that pays for up to three
years of college for Boston’s income-eligible students. The expanded plan
will cover costs for all residents – regardless of their year of
graduation, income, or immigration status – enrolled in an associate degree
program or a short-term certificate program at one of six partner colleges.
Mayor Wu made this announcement today at Massachusetts College of Art and
Design (MassArt), a new institution that has launched a pilot program in
partnership with the City of Boston.
"Expanding
Boston's Tuition Free Community College is a critical step in ensuring more
of our city's residents are eligible to pursue a higher education right
here in the City. This funding will increase community college
enrollment, and connect more residents with quality jobs," said Mayor
Michelle Wu. "I want to thank Congresswoman Pressley for her
leadership and all of our partner institutions for their critical work
ensuring that we are closing gaps and expanding access to education for
all.”
Managed
by the Office of Workforce Development (OWD), a
department within the Worker Empowerment Cabinet, the Tuition-Free
Community College (TFCC) Plan covers the balance owed after financial aid
and other funding has been applied and provides students with a stipend at
six partner community colleges: Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, Bunker Hill Community College, Massasoit Community College, MassBay Community College, Roxbury Community College, and Urban College of Boston. TFCC will continue providing
selected students with a $250 stipend per semester for up to three years.
This
$4 million investment is funded by $3 million from the federal American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and an additional $1 million investment is made
possible through the Community Project Funding secured by U.S.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley last year. With this new investment, TFCC
will now start paying off up to $2,500 of debt for students with an
outstanding balance at a partner college if the balance prevents them from
re-enrolling.
“Not
only will expanding Boston’s tuition-free community college program help
more students earn a college degree, but it will also help us address the
college affordability crisis,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley.
“I am proud to have secured these federal funds to expand this program, and
I’m grateful to Mayor Wu, Mayor Janey, community leaders, and our students
for their close partnership.”
“By
spending Boston’s American Rescue Plan funds on tuition-free community
college, we’re making a long-term investment in Boston’s greatest resource,
our people,” said City Councilor Kenzie Bok, chair of the Council’s
Committee on Boston’s Covid-19 Recovery. “I’m very proud that the
Council and the Mayor could work together with Congresswoman Pressley to
expand resident access to free high-quality educational opportunities,
which is critical to bridging economic and racial inequality while meeting
the needs of our growing industries. This initiative will have huge
positive ripple effects in our local economy and community.”
This
expansion aims to address the pandemic’s impact on community college
enrollment, completion rates, and eliminate barriers to re-enrollment for
aspiring students. Since 2016, the program has served over 1,000 students.
With these investments, TFCC’s eligibility requirements will now include
all Boston residents, including older adults and undocumented immigrants.
The City of Boston will be partnering with an immigrant-serving
organization to provide support directly to undocumented students seeking
to take advantage of the program.
“All
immigrants are key members of our community who contribute to our vibrant
culture and economy,” said Monique Tú Nguyen, Executive Director of the
Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement. “They kept our essential
industries running throughout the pandemic, despite the disproportionate
impacts of COVID-19 on our BIPOC communities. Providing equal access to all
residents, regardless of migratory status, honors their current
contributions and invests in their potential in shaping Boston’s future.
Now that all Bostonians are eligible to take tuition free community college
classes – we hope many undocumented residents will enroll in this program.”
In
an effort to meet the growing demand for industry-recognized certification,
TFCC will now cover costs for any short-term certificate programs at its
partner colleges that lead to an industry recognized credential.
Certifications offer a pathway to in-demand, quality employment but are
often not covered by federal financial aid. With the addition of short term
certifications, students have the opportunity to receive credentials in
industries such as healthcare, renewable energy, and information technology
in as little as six months.
"Boston
is expanding TFCC eligibility to include all residents, which will increase
community college enrollment, facilitate upskilling in key industries, and
re-engage former community college students by incentivizing them to
re-enroll," said Trinh Nguyen, Chief of Worker Empowerment.
"Everyone deserves access to higher education and credentials that
lead to quality, good paying jobs."
The
City has also launched a pilot program in partnership with the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). The
program will cover tuition, fees, and mandatory supplies for PELL-eligible
students transferring from a partner community college to a bachelor's
degree program at MassArt. The college will also provide wrap-around
services and coaching for students through their existing transfer support
program. The MassArt pilot program is open to students who meet the
transfer admissions and TFCC eligibility requirements. This partnership
aims to make the completion of a bachelor's degree more accessible and
affordable for low to moderate income students.
“As
MassArt celebrates its 150th anniversary, we are proud to partner with
Mayor Wu and the City of Boston to provide access to a world class
education in art, design and art education that is affordable to everyone
admitted here,” said Dr. Mary Grant, MassArt President. “Removing
economic barriers for these students ensures that these future artists,
designers, makers, and innovators will enhance the economic, creative, and
cultural vitality of the City and beyond.”
This
announcement complements Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston Public Schools’ (BPS) announcement last
year regarding a partnership with higher education institutions
and employers across Boston, adding six new Early College and Innovation
Pathway programs for the 2022-2023 school year. These programs provide new
opportunities for BPS students to gain foundational college credits and
work experience while still in high school in fields ranging from life
sciences and health care, to computer science and finance. Since that
announcement, Boston Public Schools continues its efforts to
expand high-quality college and career pathways, most recently celebrating
the designation of fourth new Early College pathways at Boston Community
Leadership Academy, Brighton High School, Fenway High School, and New
Mission High School set to launch in the 2023-2024 school year.
Early
College programs are a critical strategy in increasing the number of Boston
Public Schools graduates who enroll in post-secondary education and obtain
a first credential of value and we are seeing tremendous gains across the
Commonwealth.
"Expanding
access to tuition-free community college in Boston is a vital milestone in
equipping our city's residents with the tools they need to pursue their
dreams and secure a brighter future,” said Boston Public Schools
Superintendent Mary Skipper. “By removing a financial barrier, this
investment adds another option for our students to access a postsecondary
opportunity immediately following high school graduation and increase our
overall college-going rates. Having a professional certification and
credentials will also enable individuals to access high-quality jobs in
high-demand industries. I extend my gratitude to Mayor Wu and Congresswoman
Pressley for their unwavering commitment to this cause and our partner
institutions' tireless efforts to close gaps and advance equitable access
to education."
There
is no longer a separate application required for the Tuition Free Community
College (TFCC) Plan. Students simply need to apply and be admitted to their
desired program, and the partner colleges will identify Boston residents
and apply the funds as a part of their financial aid process. This approach
streamlines the implementation of the funds by eliminating administrative
barriers.
To
learn more about the TFCC Plan expansion, visit boston.gov/tuition-free.
|
沒有留言:
發佈留言