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Massachusetts launches 'Go Higher' campaign at UMass Dartmouth to boost college access
Summary
State leaders and students gathered at UMass Dartmouth to unveil the "Go Higher" outreach campaign aimed at increasing awareness of financial aid and state programs that reduce college costs, with officials urging students and campus ambassadors to promote FAFSA completion and state resources.
UMass Dartmouth hosted state and education officials for the launch of the Go Higher campaign focused on raising awareness of state and federal financial-aid options and encouraging more Massachusetts students to apply for college and complete the FAFSA.
The campaign, announced by Patrick Tutwiler, Massachusetts secretary of education, and Noe Ortega, commissioner of the Department of Higher Education, aims to connect students and families with existing affordability programs including expanded financial aid at public four‑year institutions, free community college, career‑connected scholarships and loan forgiveness options. "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.
Why it matters: State officials said affordability improvements alone are insufficient if students and families do not know about available programs. Noe Ortega, commissioner of the Department of Higher Education, said the Commonwealth has substantially increased financial aid in recent years and urged campus communities to help spread information. "We need to spread the word. We need to let everybody know that these opportunities are available to them," Ortega said, and encouraged people to visit mass.gov/gohigher and complete the FAFSA.
Officials and campus partners described a mix of outreach and funding supports the state has put in place. Ortega said state financial‑aid investments have grown to about $400,000,000 and that many institutions and programs — including aid for private institutions and tuition waivers — extend support beyond free community college and public four‑year reductions. Tutwiler credited the Departments of Higher Education and Elementary and Secondary Education for coordinating efforts to ensure students are better advised and informed in high school about postsecondary pathways.
Students who participated at the event described personal effects of the state programs. Graham Cortashwell, a junior and admissions ambassador at UMass Dartmouth, said a state initiative covering his tuition removed the need for private loans and eased anxiety about college costs. "When I saw that I didn't have to pay to come here anymore ... it was probably the most emotional I've ever been in my life," Cortashwell said.
Officials asked campus ambassadors, educators and students to act as messengers on and off campus. The event included representation from community colleges, state university staff, local K‑12 leaders and state legislative offices. Officials emphasized outreach channels such as billboards, buses and digital ads to reach prospective students.
No formal votes, rule changes or budget approvals were taken at the event. Presenters framed the day as an information and outreach launch; the immediate next steps officials cited were promotional activity, encouraging FAFSA completion and continued coordination between state agencies and campus partners.
The launch was held on the UMass Dartmouth campus and featured multiple speakers representing state agencies, campus leadership and students. Attendees included representatives or staff from the Office of the Governor, the lieutenant governor's office and several state legislative offices.
