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New AQR report urges expanded college affordability and access; Elms College and nonprofit leaders back the plan
Summary
Speakers at an impromptu press conference presented an AQR report aimed at boosting college affordability, student persistence and access in Massachusetts. Elms College highlighted student demographics; Inspire called for a community of practice to align advising and support services.
An impromptu press conference presenting a new AQR report on higher education access in Massachusetts stressed expanding affordability, supporting degree completion and strengthening experiential learning, organizers said.
An Elms College representative, speaking at the event, said the college’s fall entering class is more demographically similar to community colleges than is typical for private institutions. "In the entering class for the fall freshmen, 51.4% of our students identify as BIPOC students. 50% of our students identify as first generation students, and 44% of our students identify as eligible," the representative said, citing the college's enrollment figures and urging that private institutions be included in statewide efforts.
Debbie Stoltz, Massachusetts policy director at Inspire, a nonprofit that provides financial aid advising and training for school counselors, said the AQR report released that morning highlights the commonwealth’s investments in financial aid and proposes a community of practice. "The report further called out collaborating with CBO partners around college entrance exams, preparation, and access, college and career advising, and for the provision of comprehensive student service supports for current college students," Stoltz said.
Organizers described the report as a blueprint that will require participation from higher-education leaders, teachers, the legislature, the executive branch and community organizations. The conference emphasized internships and other experiential learning as ways to improve students’ chances of employment and career advancement.
The event did not record any formal votes or policy adoptions. Speakers said next steps include stakeholder collaboration and implementation planning; organizers called for continued partnership with nonprofits, colleges and state agencies to carry the plan forward.
"This is a call to action and now we have a blueprint for the work," a closing speaker said.
