At our #SUCCESS briefing, we heard from current student Melissa Horne. The program was created for students just like Melissa — an ambitious mother returning to school to pursue her dream career, make an impact in her community, and pave a path for her children 👩🏻‍🎓🎓

Safe to say our briefing today was a #SUCCESS! The message was clear: SUCCESS is working—but needs to grow! Special thanks to our legislative co-sponsors @Jo_Comerford & @RepDaveRogers. And to Commissioner Noe Ortega for his powerful reminder on why this mission matters!

Grateful for a powerful and well-attended legislative briefing yesterday on the importance of scaling SUCCESS initiatives across Massachusetts. Thanks to @EdTrustMA for partnering with us! #Mapoli #StudentSuccess #Massachusetts #CommunityCollege

DYK only 35% of students enrolled in community colleges in MA earn a degree within 6 years? The SUCCESS program is working to change that. Join our legislative briefing TODAY with @EdTrustMA, @Jo_Comerford, @RepDaveRogers, @MassDHE to learn more. https://t.co/PsNGuouYAy #MAedu

We are excited to join @Jo_Comerford & @RepDaveRogers on November 6 for a legislative briefing titled: “From Access to Completion: Scaling Higher Ed SUCCESS Programs in MA.” Learn more here: https://t.co/PsNGuouYAy #SUCCESS #MApoli #MAedu

New report! The SUCCESS Program, a MA initiative providing advising, mentoring, tutoring, & career guidance, is linked to higher persistence rates, esp. among part-time & underrepresented students. But it reaches only ~8% of community college students.

New data. Real stories. Big potential. The #SUCCESS program is helping more #MA students finish college—but it’s time to scale up. Join us for a legislative briefing on Nov 6 to explore what’s working and what’s next.

Too many students start college but never finish. The #SUCCESS program is changing that at #MACommunityColleges—but only reaches a fraction of students. Join @EdTrustMA & @hi_Hildreth for a powerful briefing on how we can boost completion rates across #MA

MA has made strides in expanding college access—but completion rates still lag. Learn how the #SUCCESS program addresses this challenge & more. Don’t miss the briefing hosted by @EdTrustMA & @hi_Hildreth, @Jo_Comerford, & @RepDaveRogers. Register Here:

Our Fellow, Destiny A. Jackson, will be sharing reflections on her summer internship with the Hildreth Institute at the @FXBHarvard this afternoon! Stay tuned for her report, and sign up for her presentation here: https://t.co/Ebj3wk3300

These cuts would increase financial hardship, reduce persistence, and place more strain on state resources. As MA works to close equity gaps and build its workforce, protecting federal investments is essential to ensuring college opportunity for all. #mapoli

Federal Work-Study: An 80% cut would shrink job opportunities for over 23,000 students, disrupting both income and career readiness. SEOG: Ending this program would strip nearly $30M in aid from 43,000 of the state’s lowest-income students.

❗️Pell Grants: Up to 45,000 students could lose aid due to proposed eligibility restrictions, affecting tuition-free state programs. ❗️TRIO Programs: Eliminating $22.9M in funding across 61 programs would dismantle vital support for 20,000+ students.

These programs are more than financial support—they are proven tools to boost enrollment, credit completion, and graduation rates, especially for low-income and first-generation students. Our four-part factsheet series highlights the risks 👇

🧵As MA expands access to college through increased state financial aid, proposed federal budget cuts threaten to undermine this progress. These cuts would reduce or eliminate student aid programs that tens of thousands of MA students rely on. Read:

Massachusetts’ public higher ed system deserves a bold, long-term strategy, one that delivers affordable, high-quality, and transformative opportunities for all. #mapoli

🔹At least 25% of Fair Share revenues for higher education (even that won’t cover all critical needs) 🔹Increased investment from the general budget 🔹Support for students' basic needs, student support services, and fair faculty pay

But with only 10% of Fair Share revenues allocated to higher ed, we urge state leaders: this must not mark a return to the underinvestment of the past. To meet this moment and build a stronger future, we call for 👇

We applaud @MassGovernor & the Legislature for signing the FY25 supplemental budget: ✅ $20M for the Endowment Match Program (UMass, state universities, and community colleges) ✅ $115M in capital improvements across public campuses https://t.co/SmcDB8Ks8X

Public reporting and improved data-sharing systems A mandate alone won’t close equity gaps, but paired with these supports, it can drive real gains in college access, enrollment, and completion. Read more: https://t.co/FYifB6ugi2 @uAspire