Pat Tutwiler, Massachusetts secretary of education, and Noe Ortega, commissioner of the Department of Higher Education, launched the state's Go Higher outreach campaign at an event at UMass Dartmouth, encouraging students and families to pursue available financial-aid options and to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The campaign, officials said, is intended to put information about state financial-aid programs in places students and families will see it and to reduce barriers that keep eligible students from enrolling or persisting in college. "Go Higher carries a simple and powerful message: Massachusetts believes in you, supports you, and has a place for you in higher education," Tutwiler said.

Noe Ortega, commissioner of the Department of Higher Education, described the effort as a public-information campaign tied to recent increases in state funding for student aid. "We've seen our investments in financial aid grow to almost more than double. $400,000,000 is what goes to make the difference in the affordability of your educational opportunities," Ortega said. Ortega asked attendees, especially students, to "spread the word" and directed people to mass.gov/gohigher for more information.

A student speaker, Graham Kerchatwell, described how a campus program he referred to as the "Dartmouth deal" covered his full tuition and removed the need for private loans. "Thanks to the Dartmouth deal and the Go Higher initiative, I didn't have to do that," Kerchatwell said, describing the relief of not having to take on private loans and saying, "I attend college for free." He said he mentions the program on campus tours so prospective students will know the aid exists.

UMass Dartmouth speakers at the event noted that 89% of the campus student body are Massachusetts residents and that 43% of students are Pell-eligible, figures given by campus leaders during opening remarks. Officials emphasized that outreach is intended to complement financial-aid expansions such as tuition-free community college, expanded aid at public four-year institutions, scholarships, and loan-forgiveness programs.

Officials also credited work by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and campus staff to connect high school students to higher-education advising and resources. Tutwiler and Ortega said the campaign responds to a recommendation from a state-appointed commission to improve communication about aid programs, and they urged students to complete the FAFSA and to use campus advising resources to access help.

The event featured institutional and legislative representation: staff from the Office of the Governor, staff representing U.S. Sen. Roderick (staff), state representatives' offices, and campus leaders including President Bill Mitchell of Massasoit were present and acknowledged in opening remarks. No formal votes or policy adoptions were taken at the event.

Officials emphasized outreach and information as the primary goals: encouraging application for financial aid and increasing awareness of existing state programs. For details and next steps, attendees were directed to mass.gov/gohigher and reminded to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for aid.