Hildreth Institute

Great news for college students facing financial struggles: The U.S. Department of Education has released groundbreaking guidance to help connect students with essential public benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, and more. By using FAFSA data, states and colleges can now proactively reach out to students, ensuring they get the support they need to succeed. Spread the word to ensure every eligible student gets the help they deserve! The Hope Center SHEEO (State Higher Education Executive Officers Association) https://loom.ly/B9_7uQU

"The primary risk of free community college is that we will focus too much on price, and not enough on quality… The risk is that the fiscal burden of free tuition will cause legislators to cut appropriations over time... that free community college will become lower quality and stop being a good deal for students, who, after all, are still foregoing a lot of income to attend." We completely agree! By supporting the faculty and staff who are vital to student success, we can ensure that every dollar invested in tuition-free programs has maximum impact. https://loom.ly/3csWlAw

As promise programs and tuition-free initiatives become more popular, it's important to recognize that enrolling more students—many of whom couldn't afford college otherwise—also means many will struggle with basic needs beyond tuition. To truly support these students, enrollment efforts must be paired with robust support services and living cost stipends. Ensuring success in higher education goes beyond providing access; it requires addressing the full range of student needs and maximizing the impact of every dollar invested. https://loom.ly/02gGREg

At the Hildreth Institute, we have long been advocating for a simplified and streamlined financial aid system in Massachusetts. Our report, Rising Barriers, Shrinking Aid, highlighted the complexities and challenges that students face navigating over 40 state financial aid programs. The recent Boston Globe Media article reinforces this critical issue—students are overwhelmed by the maze of grants, waivers, and scholarships. We recommend simplifying the #financialaid landscape to ensure every student can access the aid they need without unnecessary confusion. Read: https://loom.ly/oMdlfmA #HigherEdReform #StudentSuccess #FinancialAid #mapoli

With so many questioning the value of a higher education degree due to affordability concerns, it's important to recognize the role of our regional public universities. These institutions educate 70% of students at four year institutions, offering a more affordable path that prepare graduates for essential careers that support local economies. These universities are key economic drivers, supporting upward mobility and strengthening our communities and funding them adequately is imperative. Read more here: https://loom.ly/TH18wE8

We are thrilled to recognize the historic and concrete steps taken by the Massachusetts Legislature and Administration to address decades of chronic underfunding of public higher education. Our research highlights the importance of the essential scaffolding needed to maximize these investments, and the state has indicated that this is their plan and intention. Stay tuned for our detailed analysis of the Governor's signed budget. Read our statement: https://loom.ly/g0mBXl8 Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed! https://loom.ly/w6VBUw8 #HigherEd #mapoli #EducationFunding

Our Managing Director, Dr. Bahar Akman Imboden, shared key insights on the new MassEducate program. While supportive of the enrollment gains it can elicit at community colleges, she highlights important concerns, including prioritizing aid where it is needed most: 📚 Equity Concern: The program may benefit high-income students more than low-income ones. 📚 Funding Focus: Aid should target those in greatest need. 📚 Resource Needs: both in terms of teaching and wrap-around services to handle increased enrollment Read more here: https://loom.ly/GY-pALQ

Thank you to everyone who engaged in our Collaborative on Data-driven Equity-focused Higher Ed Policy this past week! We were thrilled to see so many dedicated and passionate professionals come together to discuss and share data and research needs. The synergies and valuable learnings from our #highered organizations across Massachusetts were truly inspiring. Together, we are making strides towards a more equitable and inclusive higher education system. Stay tuned for more! EdVestors He is Me Institute, Inc. United Way of Massachusetts Bay La Vida Scholars EdTrust Amplify LatinX Lawyers for Civil Rights Journey into Education and Teaching Massachusetts Alliance for Early College Mass Insight Education & Research Latinos for Education The Boston Foundation uAspire MassINC