Mass. pitch to ease access to public higher education piques interest
Economists have shown that investment in high-quality, debt-free public higher education is one of the best ways to advance individual and community prosperity. With passage of the Fair Share Amendment, Massachusetts has dedicated annual education funding that could be put toward this goal.
The proposed Cherish Act would address some of the problems around equity that were raised by the Globe editorial, and the bill is widely supported in public higher education. It would guarantee debt-free public higher education for all low- and middle-income students. It funds student support services and provides living expenses so that our low-income and non-traditional students are more likely to graduate on time. It also ensures that public colleges and universities are adequately staffed and that employees earn competitive wages and benefits, making our higher education not only accessible but excellent. Finally, the bill would help address campus infrastructure needs to modernize our instructional spaces and achieve healthy and green buildings.
It has taken years to get a real commitment to public higher education. Let’s get it right, said a professor of psychology at Salem State University.
In response to an editorial arguing against making two-year community colleges free for all in Massachusetts, the professor counters that such a move is long overdue. He highlights that everyone could go from kindergarten through grade 12 in Massachusetts for free by the middle of the 19th century, and extending free education to the equivalent of grades 13 and 14 in the 21st century is only fair.
The basic skills required for contemporary jobs have changed and expanded in nearly two centuries, and the least the Commonwealth can do is make available for free what is essentially grades 13 and 14, he argues.
The professor’s perspective aligns with the growing consensus among educators and economists that investment in affordable public higher education is vital for promoting individual success and overall community prosperity.
The proposed Cherish Act aims to tackle the issue of equity and accessibility in public higher education. By guaranteeing debt-free education for low- and middle-income students, the act aims to level the playing field and ensure that financial constraints do not hinder students’ educational pursuits. Additionally, the act recognizes the importance of support services and living expenses for low-income and non-traditional students, as these factors greatly influence graduation rates.
Equally crucial is the act’s focus on staffing and compensation. By addressing these issues, the act seeks to attract and retain highly qualified educators, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education. Moreover, investing in campus infrastructure not only modernizes instructional spaces but also promotes sustainability and creates healthier learning environments.
The professor’s call for extending free education to include community colleges resonates with the idea that higher education should adapt to the changing demands of the job market. With the rapid evolution of technology and industry, two additional years of education can provide students with the necessary skills and qualifications for a successful career.
By making two-year community colleges free for all, Massachusetts would usher in a new era of educational opportunity and social mobility. The state has a rich history of prioritizing education, and extending free education to grades 13 and 14 is a logical and necessary step forward.
The proposal has garnered significant interest and support within the public higher education sector. Proponents argue that the Cherish Act, combined with the continued commitment to annual education funding, would help shape the future of Massachusetts by providing equal access to quality education for all. This investment in human capital would undoubtedly lead to long-term economic growth and prosperity for the Commonwealth.
As the debate rages on, it is clear that the issue of affordable public higher education is of utmost importance. With the Cherish Act, Massachusetts has the opportunity to lead the nation in creating a more equitable and accessible educational system that empowers all students to reach their full potential. Let us not shy away from this responsibility. The time for action is now.
In conclusion, the push to ease access to public higher education in Massachusetts has captured the attention and support of many. With the proposed Cherish Act and the dedication of annual education funding, the state has the chance to make debt-free education a reality for low- and middle-income students, while also improving support services, faculty compensation, and campus infrastructure. The argument for extending free education to community colleges reflects the changing demands of the job market and the need to provide students with essential skills for success. By embracing these opportunities and prioritizing education, Massachusetts can pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.
