Free community college program begins in Massachusetts

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (NEWS10) -- Student debt plagues million of people across the country, but many states are working to eradicate it. Massachusetts is the most recent state to implement a free community college program for residents to take advantage of.

This program, called MassEducate was launched at the end of July. It allows a Massachusetts resident of any age, with no previous bachelor's degree, to attend a Massachusetts community college for free.

At Berkshire Community College, one student, Tink Medina Olivo, is using this program to make his dreams come true.

“Going from a career change from a chemical engineer, who has never done anything in the arts, I have had paid acting roles now, from just a year of school here," Tink said.

The 30-year-old is studying theater at Berkshire Community College. Tink said he realized his passion for theater recently, but he would've never been able to explore it without the state's new program.

“Probably not, I would say that, that's something that would take a lot more thought," said Tink. “When somebody says 'Hey, you can try it out for free,' people are less likely to be deferred by the price tag."

Berkshire Community College administration said the no cost aspect, is no joke.

“I really mean free, so tuition and fees will be free, will be covered by grants and then there are also book allowances for students up to $1,200." said Adam Klepetar, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Berkshire Community College. “Our goal here really is for students not to have to take on any debt."

The requirements are simple -- residents must take six credits a semester and the program is only for students who have not yet received a bachelor's degree. There is a similar program called MassReconnect, which launched last year, and is specifically for residents who are 25 years or older.

"We have students as young as 15 and as old as 80," said Adam.

The college said so far, the applications are pouring in.

“We’ve been tracking at about 25-30% up, in terms of enrollment for the last couple of months," said Adam. "We continue to see students come in. We had over 400 students in the one stop, where I’m standing, last week."

This revolutionary jump created a lot of excitement for administrators. Previously, Adam said the college had around 1,600 students. This year, he predicts that number will rise to 1,850, or possibly more.

“I’m a big believer in transformational power of higher education. I think when people make the choice to continue their education they are really making the choice to invest in themselves. We kind of say here, 'Start here go anywhere," said Adam.

New York State currently has the Excelsior Scholarship where students can apply for free college tuition. This program is only for families earning $125,000 or less, and allows students to go to a SUNY or CUNY tuition-free. This national movement is something that Adam hopes will not only help people become successful, but also help society as a whole.

"The more educated people we have, the better we are to solve the problems that are coming for us, and its just a really exciting moment in the history of Berkshire Community College, Berkshire community and I think the commonwealth of Massachusetts," said Adam.

Students can apply to attend Berkshire Community College in-person at the college's "One Stop Shop." Administrators said that the first step is to apply, figure out financial aid, and then meet with their advisors. Some students may even walk out with their class schedule that same day.

For more information on how to apply, visit their website.