Massasoit Community College Awarded $1.4 million

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Alex J. Villanueva, Massasoit Community College
avillanu2@massasoit.mass.edu | 508-588-9100 x1846

Massasoit Community College Awarded $1.4 million to Support Access to Higher Education in Brockton
Five-Year U.S. Department of Education TRiO Talent Search Grant to Help Brockton High School Students Finish School and Attend College

BROCKTON, Mass (Nov. 1, 2022) – Massasoit Community College, in partnership with Brockton Public Schools and Brockton High School, today announced that it has been awarded a nearly $1.4 million U.S. Department of Education grant that will fund a program starting in 2023 to help local students graduate high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education.

The five-year TRiO Talent Search grant awards the partnership over $275,000 each year to support 500 Brockton High School students who are college bound but face socioeconomic barriers that could hinder their potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial advising to its participants and encourages them to graduate high school and continue on to – and complete – their postsecondary education.

“At a time when some students are questioning whether they need a high school diploma, let alone a college degree, we have to do our part to demonstrate the elevating power of education and increase access to postsecondary opportunities,” said Ray DiPasquale, President of Massasoit Community College. “Through the TRiO Talent Search grant, we are proud to be able to leverage our strong relationship with Brockton High School to empower students to make the most of their education.”

The Talent Search Program will be located at Brockton High School and work in tandem with the school’s Guidance Department. Massasoit is hiring three professionals to oversee and run the program – job postings are available at Massasoit.edu/careers – and who will provide a wide range of services including advising, tutoring, information on student financial aid, assistance completing college applications, and workshops for parents and families.

“TRiO Talent Search is the latest example of what is possible when a public school district has a strong postsecondary partner that takes an active role in supporting local high school students. We’re fortunate to be able to work with Massasoit Community College on many different programs, including our early college offerings, and we look forward to launching this new initiative,” said Michael Thomas, Superintendent of the Brockton Public Schools.

“When given the right support, Brockton students not only succeed – they lead,” said Brockton High School Principal Cynthia Burns. “The Talent Search program will provide additional supports and intensive advising to 500 students who need it most, thus ensuring they are as prepared as possible to achieve their collegiate and career goals.”

About Massasoit Community College

Founded in 1966, Massasoit Community College offers students from southeastern Massachusetts and beyond access to more than 60 associate degree and certificate programs across arts, sciences, applied sciences, healthcare, and technology at locations in Brockton, Canton, Middleborough, and online. More than 900 students graduate with a degree or certificate each year from Massasoit, and 2,600 students annually enroll in non-credit community education or workforce development courses. Massasoit students are given access to wraparound services provided on campus to support their success inside and outside the classroom. For more information, visit massasoit.edu.

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