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Chamber Hosts Regional Bus Tour to Promote Manufacturing
Attendees on the tour, which also included legislators, economic development officials and members of the media, visited several manufacturing companies where they were able to get an insider’s look at how select manufacturers operate as well as learn about the growing employment opportunities in manufacturing and the necessary skill-sets needed.
The manufacturing bus tour, part of the Chamber’s “Amp It Up!” initiative, included stops at Rocheleau Tool & Die, a family owned and operated business established in 1938 in Fitchburg that specializes in the manufacture of extrusion blow molding machinery, blow molds and related automation equipment; Burkhart-Phelan, Inc., a company founded in 1982 that specializes in the precision manufacturing of high quality flutes and piccolos; Nypro, a world-class leader in manufacturing precision plastic products for customers in the healthcare, packaging and consumer electronics industries; and Mount Wachusett Community College’s Devens Manufacturing Center which offers technical training in a number of different areas including advanced manufacturing with an emphasis on automation and robotics and quality. The tour also included a lunch presentation and discussion by Shailah Stewart of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on ways that schools and communities can collaborate with employers.
North Central Massachusetts boasts the largest concentration of manufacturing in the state. Fully one-third of all private wages paid in the region are from manufacturing jobs. Companies range from the world class plastics industry cluster of more than 140 companies to pharmaceuticals to photonics and paper, as well as biomedical devices.
Manufacturers today are some of the most well-paid, highly trained and in demand employees in the workforce, working on advanced equipment and technology. However, many manufacturers have been challenged recruiting the workers they need. Despite the high wage potential and increasing employer demand, there is both a need for more young workers and a skills gap among an existing and a transitioning workforce.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation remain com
mitted to supporting and growing this critical sector of the region’s economy. The organizations are working with partners to address this skills gap, retain the region’s young talent, and introduce them to the high-tech, high-skilled, and high-paying careers of the modern manufacturing industry. The Chamber believes that building successful education partnerships between businesses and the region’s schools is critical to collective, on-going efforts.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank and acknowledge the support and assistance of the following partners who
The purpose of the “AMP it up!” initiative is to leverage new and existing resources to continue ongoing efforts to reach career counselors, community organizations, youth-serving organizations, educators, and most importantly students throughout North Central Massachusetts. The Chamber’s “Amp It Up!” initiative is funded in part through a matching grant from MassDevelopment. Other partners include Fitchburg State University, Mt. Wachusett Community College and school systems throughout the region. Ongoing efforts to promote manufacturing careers have also included engaging the schools and offering career exploration activities to students, hosting student tours, participating in career day activities and promoting manufacturing via a targeted social media campaign.
For more information on the manufacturing bus tour or the “Amp It Up!” Initiative, please contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at (978) 353-7600.
5/12 – Sips, Snacks & Sale at Cutie Patuties
It’s Party time at Cutie Patuties!!!
***Entire Store on Sale***
***Delicious Refreshments***
***Beverage Samples from Wyman’s Liquors***
***Mini-Makeovers by Jafra & Mary Kay***
***Tons of Raffle Prizes***
***Music, Fun, and More!***
Cutie Patuties recently underwent a facelift and we’re inviting you to come see our new look!
Join us Thursday, May 12 from 6-8PM for this exciting event featuring a storewide sale, delightful food and beverage samples, raffles, and so much more!
And since we got a new look, we think you should too! We’ll have representatives from Jafra and Mary Kay offering mini-makeovers! After all, we got a new look, why shouldn’t you?!
5/10 – Save the Date with Leominster Small Business Association
SAVE THE DATE!
Join us on the evening of May 10th at Wachusett Brewery in Westminster, MA for a free tour and tasting sponsored by the LSBA and Wachusett Brewery.
Time is TBD
Please RSVP to [email protected].
¡Esperamos verlos a todos ahí!
Office of Safety’s Workplace Safety Training & Education Grant Program
The Department of Industrial Accident’s Office of Safety has released the FY17 Workplace Safety Training & Education Grant Program Application for submission by July 1, 2016.
The objective of this program is to promote safe and healthy conditions in the workplace by awarding state funds to eligible applicants who submit responses designed to provide and improve safety education and training in Occupational Safety and Health to employers/employees within the Commonwealth covered by the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Law (M.G.L. Chapter 152). Complete instructions, will be detailed in the FY17 Safety Training Grant Application.
Prepare and submit your grant application as outlined in the instructions. Incomplete applications cannot be processed unless all requested documents are included.
For your convenience, we have created the grant application and contractual documents as writable PDF files. The grant application and supporting documents as outlined in the check off summary must be submitted electronically as one document. Multiple attachments and zip files cannot be accepted.
JOHN DOE CONTRACTUAL DOCUMENTS
JOHN DOE SAFETY GRANT APPLICATION_CONTRACTUAL DOCUMENTS
Please remember to apply for and submit a copy of your Department of Revenue (DOR) Certificate of Good Standing with your application and contractual documents. A Certificate of Good Standing less than 6 months old must be provided at the time of submission. The fastest and easiest way to obtain a Certificate is online through MassTaxConnect https://mtc.dor.state.ma.us/mtc
Applicants must be in full compliance with all obligations to the Department of Unemployment Assistance, Department of Industrial Accidents, and any other obligations to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Applicants found to be non-compliant will be removed from consideration until all compliance issues have been resolved.
Prepare and submit original contractual documents as outlined in the instructions. ALL signatures and dates must be original and in ink. Stamps will not be accepted.
If you have questions or need assistance with grant application only, please contact Deven Awalt 617-727-4900 ext. 7404 or Maria Pesantes at 617-727-4900 ext. 7376. You may also refer all questions to
If you have questions or need assistant with the contractual documents only, please contact Diane Lentini at 617-626-5913 or by emailing
JEFF ARDIS SELECTED FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT POSITION
(North Central, MA) – The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of Jeff Ardis to its professional staff as Membership Services & Business Development Manager.
In this position, Mr. Ardis will be responsible for managing the Chamber’s membership services. His mission will be to raise the Chamber’s visibility and educate businesses in the region about the Chamber’s service offerings, promoting the benefits of membership and ensuring that current members enjoy maximum value for their investment.
“We are excited to have Jeff join our team and help lead our member relations efforts,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO. “His experience will be a tremendous resource for our members and a great help in our work to advance the North Central Massachusetts economy.”
Ardis brings to the Chamber a broad background in sales, marketing, and business development from his time with the LEGO Company, the government trade agencies of Australia and Northern Ireland, the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and most recently the global logistics firm DHL Express. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from American University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Georgia State University.
His early goals will be to continue the success of the October campaign that welcomed more than 100 new members; build relationships with key players in the business community and local government; and find the best ways to help members grow their businesses through the Chamber’s resources. He will also help coordinate the Chamber’s insurance services.
Existing members or businesses interested in learning more about the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce can reach Ardis at (978) 353-7600 ext. 234 or via email at .
Consumer Taste Preferences Are Changing in 2016
Today’s consumer taste preferences are changing. The traditional flavor trends of comfort food and hamburgers are being supplemented with bold and flavorful foods from foreign lands.
These changes are being influenced by the changing face of America. Our diverse culture has inspired the growth of Mexican. Chinese and Thai restaurants across America. These cultures with their unique food offerings have tempted Americans to try new foods and accept them with regularity. This is evident all across America and they are successful.
Locally, a Brazilian restaurant called Comeketo is bringing the flavors of Brazil to the area. The menu is a combination of cultural foods of America and Brazil to satisfy the taste of people from the local area. You can choose from a wide range of menu items that will meet your taste from bold flavors to the standards of a great burger.
Recently Comeketo introduced a new spring menu with healthy items such as a Quinoa Spinach Salad and Brazilian Cordon Bleu. They also have a Taste of Brazil Platter for those who are ready to try the flavors of Brazil. I also found that they have a lunch special of three items from a selected menu for $10 under 10 minutes. A great idea for those with a limited time for lunch.
Comeketo is located at 23 Sack Boulevard at the Mall at Whitney Field. No reservations are required for this unique dining experience.
Hi-Gear Products, Inc., a Massachusetts based manufacturer and worldwide distributor of chemical specialty products, received national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Center for Women & Enterprise, a regional certifying partner of Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
Hi-Gear Products, Inc., a Massachusetts based manufacturer and worldwide distributor of chemical specialty products, received national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Center for Women & Enterprise, a regional certifying partner of Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
WBENC’s national standard of certification, implemented by the Center for Women & Enterprise, is a meticulous process including an in-depth review of the business and site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by a woman or women.
Hi-Gear Products Inc., a family owned business and global leader in the automotive aftermarket industry, has been producing and distributing first-rate chemical products to discriminating customers around the world for more than twenty-five years. With a manufacturing plant located in Leominster and a distribution center in Fitchburg, Hi-Gear offers products that are wholly made in the United States. The Company’s product-line has grown exponentially since its initial market offering, and today Hi-Gear offers more than 3,000 products for practically every application in the automotive aftermarket industry, as well as household and industrial chemicals. Hi-Gear Products has earned its customer loyalty by maintaining an unwavering commitment to its founding principle—to develop and deliver the most technologically advanced and innovative products for distribution around the globe. To learn more about the company, please visit http://hi-gear-usa.com.
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council is the nation’ s largest third party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the United States. WBENC is a resource for the more than 700 US companies and government agencies that rely on WBENC’s certification as an integral part of their supplier diversity programs.
MWCC Students Named to 2016 Who’s Who List
Mount Wachusett Community College students enrolled in a range of academic programs and involved in numerous activities have been selected as national outstanding campus leaders and will be included in the 2016 edition of Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.
The 44 students were selected based on their academic achievement, service to the community, leadership in extracurricular activities and the potential for continued success. They join an elite group of students from more than 1,000 higher education institutions in the United State and several other countries. The tradition of recognizing noteworthy college students in a Who’s Who biographical volume began in 1934.
This year’s honorees are:
Ashburnham: Sara Khan
Athol: Aleisha Berthiaume, Elizabeth Cross, Tatjana James, Ashlie Visco
Ayer: Jana Murphy
Baldwinville: Karen Chapalonis, Emanuel Corbeil, Thomas, Hill Jr.
Barre: Benjamin Spurr
Fitchburg: Joseph Almeida, Marcus Altman, Bethany Jones, Kimberly Mertell, Marymar Perez Cruz, Rebecca Pincott, Michael Racine
Gardner: Andrea Bartlett
Harvard: Jari Squire
Hubbardston: Levi Bushnell, Stevie LaBelle
Leominster: Thayna Aguiar, Aurea Carrion, Nelida Figueroa Lopez, Alana Jones, Hillary Nna, Camila Pereira, Ellen Smith
North Brookfield: Arturo Aponte-Cruz, Kevin Figueroa
Orange: Jasson Alvarado Gomez
Phillipston: Jennifer Gariepy
Shirley: Trevor Hansen
Sterling: Alyssa Adoretti
Ware: Leah Trudeau
Winchendon: Thomas Berger, Michel Cocuzza, Nathan Morris, Christian Rossi, Cathy Teague, Kelly Williams
Worcester: Bella Ballin
New Hampshire:
Fitzwilliam: Julia McHugh
Jaffrey: Shannen Pimental
Gardner Mayor Mark Hawke Named MWCC 2016 Alumnus of the Year
“We are extremely proud to honor Gardner Mayor Mark Hawke as our 2016 Alumnus of the Year,” said President Daniel M. Asquino. “Like many of our students, Mayor Hawke discovered his potential while attending Mount Wachusett Community College, and then followed that path to achieve success both academically and professionally. Moreover, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to public service, to Mount Wachusett Community College, and to our students.”
Created in 1989, the award recognizes a Mount Wachusett Community College graduate who has exhibited exceptional career leadership, service to community and commitment to the college.
“I am deeply indebted to MWCC,” Mayor Hawke said. “While I didn’t know it then, the Mount and its faculty put me on the track to success. As a graduate, I have firsthand knowledge of the college’s positive impact on students. As mayor, I have seen the transformative influence the college has had on our community. Gardner is truly fortunate to be home to MWCC.”
The son of Nancy Hawke and the late State Rep. Robert Hawke, Mayor Hawke is the youngest of five siblings. He attended Gardner public schools and graduated from Gardner High School as a three sport letterman. After earning his associate degree in general studies from MWCC, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and a master’s degree in business administration from Anna Maria College.
Since being sworn into office in January 2008, he has continually worked to bring Gardner into a new age through investments in the city’s infrastructure, economic development, playgrounds and other facilities. Under his leadership, Gardner became one of the first communities to sign on to the Baker Administration’s Commonwealth Community Pact.
Prior to his election, Mayor Hawke served as Gardner’s grants administrator for over six years. He previously worked in the private sector as a business analyst for a wireless communications company, as an operations manager for a transportation company, and as a logistics analyst for a waste management company.
Mayor Hawke currently serves as President of the Massachusetts Mayor’s Association and on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Municipal Association.
Among his community activities, he serves on the Board of Incorporators of Heywood Hospital; the Board of Directors of Gardner’s downtown association, Square Two; and the GFA Federal Credit Union Board of Directors. Previously, he has served as president of Gardner Square Two; on the Board of Directors of the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce, and on MWCC’s Board of Trustees.
He is also an active member of the Acadien Social Club of Gardner, the Napoleon Club of Gardner, the Polish American Citizens Club of Gardner, the Gardner Museum, the Acadien Club Hockey League and City League Softball and an honorary member of the Gardner Rotary Club.
He and his wife, Shelly, live in Gardner with their son, Justin.
Simonds-Hurd Complementary Care Classes May
Sun.,5/1/16
2:00-4:00pm Oneness Blessing Circle, suggested donation $10 to support the Angie’s Spa grant in providing free therapeutic services to our cancer patients in treatment
Mon., 5/2/16
4:30-5:15pm Strength training for beginners/seniors, new 4 week series begins $40/$12 drop-in, call to register.*
5:30-6:30pm Zentangle – Art as Meditation, theme for May – Botanical inspirations found in nature, 4-week series $40/ $12 drop-in, please call to register.*
5:30-6:30pm Yoga with Linda – Leominster Campus, Entrance F, Guild Conference Room/$12 drop-in – advance payment required. Call to register*
Tue.,5/3/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
6:00-7:00pm Advanced Strength Training, new 5 week series begins tonight $50/$12 drop-in, call to register.*
Wed.,5/4/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
5:00-7:30pm Stress Solutions for Life, Class 1 of a 3 class series begins tonight, $75.00. Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, Simonds Building, (Entrance F), advance registration required*
6:00-7:00pm Qigong, new 4 week series begins tonight $40/12 drop-in, call to register.*
Thu., 5/5/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
5:30-6:30pm Yoga for Stress Relief –$12 drop-in
7:00-8:30pm Mind-Body Hypnosis Coaching – $25, advance registration and payment required. Please call for information and to register*
Fri., 5/6/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
6:00-7:30pm Rest & Restore Yoga – $15, appropriate for all levels, call to register*
Sat., 5/7/16
9:00 -10:00am Yoga for Fitness, – $12 drop-in. Next 6-class series begins 5/21, $60. Call to register*
Mon., 5/9/16
4:30-5:15pm Strength training for beginners/seniors, $12 drop-in, call to register*
5:30-6:30pm Zentangle – Art as Meditation, May theme: Botanical inspirations in nature, $12 drop-in, please call to register.*
5:30-6:30pm Yoga with Linda – Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, $12 – advance payment required. New 5-week series starts next week, $50. Call to register now*
6:30-8:00pm FREE TALK: How Hypnosis Can Help You – Learn how hypnosis can help achieve wellness goals, reduce stress, and form healthier habits. Learn tips for self hypnosis. Bergevin Conference room, Entrance 3 (Cancer Center entrance) Please call to preregister*
Tue.,5/10/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
6:00-7:00pm Advanced Strength Training, $12 drop-in, call to register*
Wed.,5/11/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
5:00-7:30pm Stress Solutions for Life, Class 2 in a 3 class series. Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, Simonds Building, (Entrance F), advance registration required*
6:00-7:00pm Qigong – drop-in $12, please call to register*
Thu., 5/12/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
5:30-6:30pm Yoga for Stress Relief –$12 drop-in.
Fri., 5/13/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
Mon., 5/16/16
4:30-5:15pm Strength training for beginners/seniors, $12 drop-in, call to register*
5:30-6:30pm Zentangle – Art as Meditation, – May theme: Botanical inspirations in nature, $12 drop-in, please call to register.*
5:30-6:30pm Yoga with Linda – Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, new 5 week series starts tonight, $50/$12 drop-in, advance payment required. Call to register now*
6:30-9:30pm Workshop: Hypnosis for Adult ADDD/ADHD – Hypnosis is a fantastic tool for managing ADD. Learn 8 key areas where hypnosis can help improve ADD symptoms and non-hypnotic strategies to help manage symptoms. $50, call to register*
Tue.,5/17/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
6:00-7:00pm Advanced Strength Training, $12 drop-in, call to register*
Wed.,5/18/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
5:00-7:30pm Stress Solutions for Life, Class 3 of a 3 class series. Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, Simonds Building, (Entrance F), advance registration required*
6:00-7:00pm Qigong – drop-in $12, please call to register*
Thu.,5/19/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
5:30-6:30pm Yoga for Stress Relief – $12 drop-in, new 5 week series begins next week please call to register*
Fri.,5/20/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
Sat.,5/21/16
9:00 -10:00am Yoga for Fitness –new 6 class series starts today, $60/$12 drop-in. Call to register*
Mon.,5/23/16
4:30-5:15pm Strength training for beginners/seniors, $12 drop-in. New 4-week series starts 6/6, $40, call now to register*
5:30-6:30pm Zentangle – Art as Meditation, – Botanical inspirations in nature, $12 drop-in, please call to register.*
5:30-6:30pm Yoga with Linda – Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, $12 – advance payment required. Call to register now*
6:30-9:30pm Workshop: Hypnosis for Pain Management – Pain is something that can be significantly altered using mind-body techniques such as hypnosis, which has been shown to work by lowering the brain’s response to pain signals. Learn techniques to help you have better control over your experience with pain. $50, advance registration required, please call to register*
Tue.,5/24/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information
6:00-7:00pm Advanced Strength Training, $12 drop-in, call to register*
Wed.,5/25/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
6:00-7:00pm Qigong – drop-in $12, next 5 week series starts 6/1, $50, call to register now*
Thu.,5/26/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
5:30-6:30pm Yoga for Stress Relief – New 6-class series begins tonight $60/$12 drop-in, call to register*
Fri., 5/27/16
6:00-7:00pm Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
Sat.,5/28/16
9:00 -10:00am Yoga for Fitness -$12 drop-in
Tue.,5/31/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
6:00-7:00pm Advanced Strength Training, $12 drop-in, new 4-week series starts next week, $40, call to register*
BAKER ADMINISTRATION, HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERS ANNOUNCE NEW COMMONWEALTH COMMITMENT PLAN TO INCREASE AFFORDABILITY, DRIVE DEGREE COMPLETION
New “2+2” Plan Based on Transfer from Community College to UMass or State U’s Will Offer Per-Semester Rebates, Freeze Costs for Qualifying Students
Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito joined public higher education leaders today to announce the Commonwealth Commitment, an innovative college affordability and completion plan to help more students achieve the dream of a college degree.
The Commonwealth Commitment, the first agreement of its kind in the nation, was signed by University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan, Worcester State University President Barry Maloney and Middlesex Community College President James Mabry, representing the three segments of the public higher education system, at a ceremony held this morning at Middlesex Community College. The plan commits every public campus to providing 10% rebates at the end of each successfully completed semester to qualifying undergraduate students, in addition to the standard MassTransfer tuition waiver received upon entering a four-year institution from a Community College. Students who meet the program requirements will, depending on the transfer pathway they choose, be able to realize an average savings of $5,090 off the cost of a baccalaureate degree.
Also, as part of the Commonwealth Commitment’s goal to increase cost savings and predictability, tuition and mandatory fees will be frozen for program participants as of the date they enter the program.
The statewide agreement was inspired by the $30K Commitment adopted last year by the four Worcester County public higher education institutions: Mount Wachusett Community College, Quinsigamond Community College, Fitchburg State University and Worcester State University. Qualifying students are guaranteed their associate and bachelor’s degrees in high demand programs for $30,000 or less in four years. At MWCC, QCC, Worcester State and Fitchburg State, students can opt to enroll in either plan.
“The biggest thing we can do is make college more affordable,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. Collaborative agreements such as the Commonwealth Commitment and the $30K Commitment create opportunities while controlling costs, while addressing crucial areas such as college completion, economic development, innovation and college readiness.”
Students will begin their studies at one of the state’s 15 community colleges, enrolling in one of 24 Commonwealth Commitment/Mass Transfer Pathways programs that will roll out in fall 2016 (14 programs) and fall 2017 (10 additional programs). They must attend full-time, and must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0. After earning an associate’s degree in two and a half years or less, students will transfer to a state university or UMass campus to earn a baccalaureate degree.
“I am pleased that our higher education leaders have worked collaboratively to create this program to decrease the cost of a college degree and accelerate on-time completion,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Even though public higher education in Massachusetts is already a great value, the Commonwealth Commitment will make it even easier for students to go to school full-time and to enter the workforce faster and with less debt.”
“The Commonwealth Commitment is a win-win for students, employers, and our public higher education campuses,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Our hope is that through programs like the Commonwealth Commitment, not only will students get the benefit of a lower cost degree, but also be able to fill more of the high-demand job of the future, including in STEM.”
“The Commonwealth Commitment is an important plan which we believe will help move the needle on our Administration’s two overarching education objectives: to close the achievement gap and strengthen the global competitiveness of Massachusetts’ workforce and economy,” said Education Secretary Jim Peyser. “I thank the leaders of the Department of Higher Education, UMass, and State Colleges and universities for their hard work in reaching this agreement and for their commitment to putting students first.”
“The signing of this agreement represents a new day for our state system of public colleges and universities,” said Carlos E. Santiago, Commissioner of Higher Education. “It was not easy or simple to hammer out an agreement among 28 undergraduate institutions with different missions and programs, but I was extremely proud to see how presidents, provosts, faculty and staff worked together with a sense of common purpose to get this done. What unites us is a dedication to students and to the Commonwealth, a realization that when it comes to preparing the state’s future citizenry and workforce, our public institutions need to lead.”
“Community college students seeking pathways to an affordable, high-quality, four-year degree will now be able to look to the Commonwealth Commitment for critical support — and UMass is proud to be part of this innovative effort,” said UMass President Marty Meehan. “This program advances public higher education’s core beliefs and will help to transform lives and strengthen our future. We look forward to welcoming the students who take advantage of this creative initiative to our campuses.”
“The Commonwealth Commitment unites the Massachusetts public higher education sector in an energized drive to promote access and success for our diverse communities as we work together to build an educated workforce that will drive the Commonwealth’s high-tech community in the 21st Century. Community colleges are proud to play a pivotal role in this strategy,” said Middlesex Community College President Dr. James Mabry.
“When we talk about a ‘best value’ college experience, it doesn’t get any better than this,” said Worcester State University President Barry Maloney. “Those who transfer into state universities under this program will see small classes taught largely by full-time, Ph.D. faculty members who put their students first. The state university degree prepares them well, either for careers or graduate school.”
At the end of every successfully completed semester, students will earn a 10% rebate on tuition and fees, payable in the form of a check, or may opt to receive a voucher to use for books or other education-related expenses. The program does not discount room and board, although students may choose to use their Commonwealth Commitment savings or other resources to offset some of those costs. Students’ rebates or vouchers will be calculated based on the total cost of tuition and mandatory fees at the institutions they choose to attend. Additionally, students who enroll in free or reduced cost dual enrollment programs, taking college courses while still in high school, may be able to apply the credits they earn toward their Commonwealth Commitment degrees, thus reducing costs even further.
Further information is available at www.Mass.edu/MAComCom.