In a move aimed at bolstering the workforce and increasing educational attainment, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has rolled out a statewide pilot program to support individuals who have started but not completed their higher education. As reported by Mass.gov, the program seeks to address the needs of over 766,000 residents in Massachusetts belonging to the "Some College, No Credential" (SCNC) demographic.
According to Mass.gov, the initiative includes personalized outreach and coaching through a collaboration with ReUp Education, with a one-year pilot focus. Six Massachusetts institutions, including Bunker Hill Community College and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, have joined in this effort. Governor Maura Healey emphasized the intrinsic value of higher education, stating, "Higher education brings better opportunities for families and strengthens our economy, which is why we’ve invested significantly in making college more affordable."
Alongside economic growth, the program also aims to meet the diverse needs of the state’s workforce. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll highlighted that Massachusetts continues to prioritize helping residents grow their economic opportunities while meeting workforce needs. Furthermore, previous partnerships between public institutions like Salem State University and ReUp have set a foundation for this broader implementation strategy, according to Mass.gov.
Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler said that for many residents, life and finances get in the way of completing a credential. The program provides guidance and support to help individuals overcome these barriers. Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega emphasized the importance of earning degrees or credentials for personal advancement and strengthening Massachusetts’ workforce.
Insights from the Advisory Council for the Advancement of Representation in Education (ACARE), detailed in an October 2024 report, helped shape the initiative. José Luis Santos, Senior Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Higher Education, noted that many barriers prevent adult learners from completing credentials and said this program will help residents overcome them, drawing on his own experience as a non-traditional college student.
ReUp, a national organization for re-enrollment and success coaching, helps guide adult learners back to college. Its Education to Workforce Marketplace supports students from initial outreach to graduation and aligns their education with career goals and state workforce needs.
