August 24
If you are aged 25 or older and want to get a college degree, you can now do so for FREE at North Shore Community College (NSCC) through a new state program called MassReconnect.
MassReconnect was included in the FY24 state budget and is a proposal to fund free community college for adults 25 and older who do not already have a college degree. The program will begin this fall.
Students are eligible for MassReconnect if they: are 25 or older on the first day of classes; are enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education at a public community college; have not previously earned a college degree; are enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester; complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and are Massachusetts residents.
Once grants and scholarships are applied to bills, the state will cover the remaining balance to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies, as well as provide funding for career and wraparound support services.
State lawmakers estimate that at least 1.8 million Massachusetts residents could be eligible for the program.
In announcing the program, Governor Maura Healey noted, “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. 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.”
“MassReconnect is a game changer for adult students!” said NSCC President William Heineman. “There are so many job vacancies with high wages in rapidly growing industries on the North Shore but most of them require education beyond high school. Combining free community college with our academic programs that lead directly to those jobs is what MassReconnect is all about for those 25 years and older with no college degree. It's not too late to take advantage of this opportunity this fall.”
For additional details, join us at an upcoming free MassReconnect information session, in person or via Zoom, on the following days - all sessions begin at 5 p.m.:
Thurs. 8/24 Zoom - https://northshore-edu.zoom.
Weds. 8/30 Lynn - Student Success Center LS 134
Thurs. 8/31 Zoom - https://northshore-edu.zoom.
If interested, prospective students should apply to NSCC and complete the 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Contact NSCC’s Admissions team for more information at https://www.northshore.edu/massreconnect/inquiry-form.html or admissions@northshore.edu or call 781-593-6722, x4188.