Gov. Maura Healey Pens Op-Ed in Teen Vogue on Making Community College Free For Mass. Residents 25 and Older

Gov. Maura Healey Pens Op-Ed in Teen Vogue on Making Community College Free For Mass. Residents 25 and Older

Governor Maura Healey penned an op-ed in Teen Vogue on how Massachusetts is breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities for workers in the state by making community college free for students age 25 and older.

Gov. Healey wrote: “In 2022, I ran for Governor promising to make community college more affordable for our residents to address the ongoing worker shortage and increase access for those looking to continue their education in our state. In my first budget as Governor, we have done exactly that.”

The Governor’s first budget included nearly $230 million for Massachusetts students that will significantly expand scholarships for low-income, in-state undergraduate students in the state and an additional $38 million in free community college programs for nursing students, along with more than $140 million in student loan repayment to nearly 3,000 primary care and behavioral health providers.

Additionally, Gov. Healey drew a stark contrast between how her state is investing in higher education and helping young students graduate debt-free while Republican-led states are focused on restricting personal freedoms, saying: “Instead of investing in careers, MAGA politicians are pushing dangerous and extreme restrictions on reproductive health care, LGBTQ+ rights, and other personal freedoms, which are harmful for our communities’ health and wellbeing, our democracy, and our economy.”

Gov. Healey added: “If you’re a young person living in a state that restricts your freedoms and looking to take the next step in your career — without having to worry about debt or your freedoms being restricted — please know that in Massachusetts, we see you, we value you and we welcome you.”

Read more on Gov. Healey’s historic investments in the futures of Massachusetts’ workers here.

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