October 4 & 5– Every Springfield, MA high school senior attended a #GoHigherMA college access event sponsored by DHE in partnership with GEAR UP. Governor Charlie Baker joined students to help build “college knowledge,” promote college savings through the new Commonwealth Commitment.
"I think it's great you all put your hands up when I asked if you were thinking about going to college - that's important," he said."But I want to express how important it is that you not just think about it, you actually start to lay some of the foundational elements to get from here to there."
Seniors at North High School heard from current students at Fitchburg State University, Worcester State University, UMass Medical School, Mount Wachusett Community College, Quinsigamond Community College and Framingham State University at a Go Higher! event on October 12.
With questions about financial aid, transferring and work-school balance, it was clear the high school students had one thing on their mind: How am I going to afford college?
Jasson Alvarado-Gomez, a Media Arts and Technology student at Mount Wachusett Community College, assured them they can do it. He said he had no financial support from his family, and wasn't even a U.S. citizen when he began thinking about college. But with the help of Gateway to College and advisors at MWCC, he made it work.
"You don't need money,"said Alvarado-Gomez. "You need motivation, you need to apply for scholarships and you need to work hard."
Admissions officers from community colleges, state universities and UMass campuses across the state attended Go Higher! fairs to talk to high schoolers about different majors, housing options and activities offered on their campuses. Students stopped by the Department of Higher Education table to learn about the Commonwealth Commitment and take a photo in our #GoHigherMA photo booth. Check out the photos on our Go Higher! facebook page!
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