STCC receives significant state investment to enhance and expand access to community college

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – In a landmark move for community colleges in Massachusetts, Gov. Maura Healey signed a budget which includes several provisions that expand educational access to new populations while continuing support for programs that have been crucial in retaining current students.

The budget supports the MILE program, which helps students achieve success.

The fiscal 2024 budget includes several key investments that are poised to make a transformative impact on students of Springfield Technical Community College. The numbers below represent the total funding to all community colleges. STCC’s portion will  be determined in the near future. Some of the highlighted provisions in the 2024 budget include:

  1. MassReconnect: Under MassReconnect, Massachusetts has allocated $20 million to support "free" community college for adults aged 25 or older. This groundbreaking program will provide “last dollar” support for these students, which includes coverage for expenses outside of tuition.
  2. Capacity-Building for Free Community College: $12 million has been allocated to support capacity-building efforts aimed at exploring the “Free Community College For All” initiative, which could expand the free community college program from 25 or older to all ages.
  3. Nursing Student Scholarships and Faculty Support: The budget includes $18 million to provide scholarships for community college nursing students. These funds can also be used to bolster the recruitment and retention of nursing faculty. Additionally, in another provision, the state will be expanding the eligibility of clinical or skills lab faculty to include nursing professionals with a bachelor’s degree, provided they meet other minimum requirements.
  4. In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students: Reflecting a commitment to inclusivity, the budget extends in-state tuition eligibility to undocumented immigrant students.
  5. Continued Support for Student Success: The budget allocates $14 million to the SUCCESS (Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services) initiative. These funds support key positions and initiatives at STCC, including the Lead (Lead Female Leadership & Mentoring Program) and MILE (Male Initiative for Leadership and Education) programs.

"Massachusetts' investment in education, especially community colleges, will have a far-reaching impact on individuals and our region as a whole," said John B. Cook, President of Springfield Technical Community College. "We are excited to embrace these initiatives, collaborate with partners and continue providing top-quality education that empowers our students to transform their lives."

The SUCCESS initiative and related funding has led to increased programming, academic engagement and wraparound support for STCC students, said Vice President for Student Affairs Darcey Kemp.

“SUCCESS has been a key driver for our retention and persistence efforts over the past three years,” Kemp said. “Some of our signature programs are born from SUCCESS, such as Lead and MILE. These programs have produced students who have fully embraced the collegiate experience, strengthening their purpose and growing their leadership capabilities. The programs have motivated them to achieve their academic and personal goals.”

On the investments in nursing programs at STCC and across the state, STCC School of Health and Patient Simulation Dean Christopher Scott sees some relief for area healthcare institutions.

“Nursing has always been one of our most successful and popular programs,” Scott said. “With this grant, we’ll be able to build capacity, increase our enrollment cap, and answer healthcare organizations that have been clamoring for more nursing talent.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu