The Department of Higher Education’s 2006 Task Force on Student Financial Aid put forward several creative recommendations that should be advanced, including dedicating need-based state financial aid to students with family incomes less than the Commonwealth’s median income, and providing tuition and fee waivers to qualified Massachusetts high school graduates attending community college.  

The Task Force’s recommendation to offer loan forgiveness to students with state-funded college loans who are employed in jobs “addressing critical workforce needs” would create a strong link between higher education and economic development needs and priorities, and should be implemented.  Additionally, creating a statewide program to help individuals and families learn how to finance a college education, another Task Force recommendation, would empower first generation college students and limited English speaking families to effectively plan for post-secondary education expenses.

Within the broader 10-year proposal developed by the Governor’s Readiness Committee, community colleges in Massachusetts would be free to all students within 10 years.  Every student’s education would extend two years beyond high school, either through vocational training or college.  Such opportunities might alleviate problems in the public post-secondary system that include gaps in minority achievement and students who are unprepared for college or the workforce. The state has more than 20,000 unfilled jobs requiring applicants with at least an associate’s degree.  The support of business, education, political and community leaders is necessary to implement this proposal.

6.a    The legislature should increase need-based financial aid to 1989 levels and extend benefits for part-time students

6.b    The legislature should provide in-state tuition for all immigrants

6.c    Industry associations should establish new scholarship program targeted to workforce development

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