One semester into the pilot, 40 percent of eligible community college students have signed onto the Commonwealth Commitment. Learn more about the outcomes of the first semester and next steps to increase awareness of and participation in the program.
“We expect to see the numbers of students increase substantially next fall, when the number of available majors will more than double.”
During fall 2016, the first semester of the Commonwealth Commitment pilot, 85 community college students signed up for the program. “While the overall number of participants is still small, we’re delighted to see that a full 40 percent of eligible students signed on for the Commonwealth Commitment in the program’s first semester of operation,” said Carlos E. Santiago, Commissioner of Higher Education. “We expect to see the numbers of students increase substantially next fall, when the number of available majors will more than double.”
Governor Charlie Baker, a strong proponent of the program, invited Jaclyn Bell to be a special guest at his State of the Commonwealth address to represent Commonwealth Commitment students. “Brockton’s own Jaclyn Bell is here tonight, and she’s a great example of who this program is helping,” he said. “She’s 26 years old, has a two-year old daughter, and is currently a straight A student at Massasoit Community College. She said the Commonwealth Commitment ‘changed her family’s life.’ Jaclyn, we all look forward to watching you build on your success.”
Related: Watch the WCVB News segment on Jaclyn and the Commonwealth Commitment >
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) donated space on the Orange Line, Red Line and local buses to promote the Commonwealth Commitment in January and February 2017. This campaign follows other joint efforts with the community colleges, Governor’s Office, Executive Office of Education, MassIT, Mass Highway, and New England Cable News (NECN) to promote the Commonwealth Commitment to prospective students and families.
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