Pam Eddinger News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

The enrollment surge is a welcome development for the Massachusetts community college system, but it has also created staffing shortages and stretched capacity. A free community college program in Massachusetts for students aged 25 and older has led to a surge in enrollment at the state’s two-year institutions but has also put a significant strain on the system, particularly on the workload of financial aid and student support services staff.

LOWELL — With an average age of 26, transfer students bring life experiences to the classroom and contribute to the diversity and vitality of UMass Lowell. Nearly one in 10 of those students enters the university from Bunker Hill Community College.

The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation has given three grants, totaling a combined $2.7 million, as part of its new Humanities to Career Program, according to a news release.

Higher education leaders reflect on the success of the newly launched workforce program aimed at eligible students seeking a first-time community college degree.

Shirley Leung sits down with leaders from Suffolk University, Bunker Hill, and UMass Lowell to talk all things education.