Hildreth Institute

Massachusetts' free community college program is boosting enrollment, but access is just the first step—students also need support to make it to graduation. Currently, only 34% of MA community college students complete their degree within six years. We can change this with targeted, proven support. Programs like NYC’s CUNY ASAP demonstrate the power of structured support, nearly doubling three-year graduation rates. Together with OneGoal, EdTrust MA, uAspire, Latinos for Education, we’re supporting efforts to expand funding for the SUCCESS initiatives and incorporate successful practices from programs like CUNY ASAP, driving better outcomes for MA students #mapoli Read more: https://loom.ly/NeZyZwE

UMass is emphasizing a bold pledge: tuition is free for families earning $75,000 or less at UMass campuses! By simplifying financial aid messaging, UMass hopes to reduce confusion and increase access for students with the greatest need. With over 90% of students in this income bracket already receiving full tuition coverage, this initiative ensures even more students realize the affordability of a UMass education. 👉 https://loom.ly/Oz_cBow #HigherEd #UMass #CollegeAffordability #EducationForAll #mapoli

📈 New Report Release: Ongoing Insights into the Student Debt Crisis Our latest analysis reveals that despite recent relief efforts, the student debt crisis remains a significant concern. Our analysis shows a high level of negative sentiment toward recent debt relief policies and identified systemic issues contributing to borrower dissatisfaction. 👉 Explore our findings to gain a deeper understanding of the current state of student loans and public sentiment: https://loom.ly/j04Z4fI #StudentLoans #DebtRelief

📢 New Report Alert! 📢 Our latest report taps into AI-driven analysis to reveal what millions are saying about student loan debt. With overwhelming dissatisfaction surfacing from borrowers and supporters alike, it’s clear that temporary fixes aren’t enough. Thank you to Professor Mike McGuirk and his talented students at Babson College for their innovative and collaborative efforts on this project! This study sheds light on the urgent need for systemic change and comprehensive solutions that tackle the root causes of the crisis. https://loom.ly/j04Z4fI 💬 Join the conversation: What do you think it will take to resolve the student debt crisis once and for all? #StudentDebtCrisis #HigherEdPolicy #DebtRelief

The launch of universal free community college through #MassEducate is a huge step forward, but it’s just the beginning. At the Hildreth Institute, we’re working alongside partners to ensure that affordability and access translate into long-term success for students. Our new guide highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities in this new era of #highered in Massachusetts. “Simply increasing enrollment is not enough,” says Hiba Agha, M.A., Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Hildreth Institute. With programs like #MassEducate now in place, we must focus on retention and completion and highlight the importance of wraparound services and support for low-income students to ensure they can thrive and graduate. https://loom.ly/hcevNzs #mapoli #EducationEquity

Massachusetts is in the midst of an incredible reinvestment in higher education affordability. In just four years, financial aid programs have more than tripled in size, from $121M to $404M, thanks in part to the “Fair Share” tax enacted in 2022. Programs like #MassReconnect, #MASSGrantPlus, and now #MassEducate are paving the way for greater access to education, but we know there’s still more work to do to ensure every student can succeed. Our new guide: "What You Need To Know As Massachusetts Boosts Aid For Public College -- And What's Next" is here! This guide breaks down the latest financial aid opportunities, from #MassReconnect to #MassEducate, and what we believe should come next to ensure true accessibility and equity in higher education. https://loom.ly/h2dOoOw #mapoli #HigherEdReform #EducationEquity #StudentSucces

When it comes to public higher ed in Massachusetts, change is in the air this fall. Our "citizen's guide" to what's changed -- and what should happen next. #mapoli #HigherEdReform #EducationEquity #StudentSucces

We are so excited to be working with my partners at OneGoal on their upcoming Massachusetts Partnership Summit! Bahar Akman Imboden be a featured speaker at the Building a Student-Centered Postsecondary Funding System session. Registration is FREE and we would love to see you there. You can learn more and register here: https://loom.ly/N9eiDCs

We are excited to partner with organizations that share our vision for #highered in Massachusetts, including uAspire, OneGoal, EdTrust MA & Latinos for Education. Many of our FY26 recommendations are reflected in the ACARE report, signaling a strong alignment on the future of education reform. Now is the time to turn these intentions into actionable steps. Read our collective letter to learn more about our FY26 recommendations: https://loom.ly/BGp1HaU

The Hildreth Institute applauds Office of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Massachusetts Executive Office of Education, Massachusetts Department of Education, and the Advisory Council for the Advancement of Representation in Education (ACARE) for their leadership and celebrates the release of their groundbreaking report. This report reflects key recommendations we've long advocated for, including reforms to admissions processes, comprehensive financial aid, and expansion of wraparound services to ensure all students—particularly those from underserved communities—have the resources they need to succeed. These steps will go a long way in ensuring our campuses reflect the rich diversity of our communities. We're proud to have contributed to this important work and are committed to helping bring these recommendations to life. https://loom.ly/7G5UYuQ #HigherEd #EquityInEducation #Diversity