2008 Woodie Awards
MASSGrant budget increased, PHENOM looks for more
By Lisa DeBenedictis, Collegian Staff
Issue date: 9/2/08 Section: News
This summer, Massachusetts' public schools received new plans for a progressive future and immediate aid to public higher education, ones that could result in changes at the University of Massachusetts.
On June 23, Governor Deval Patrick revealed his strategy to reform the state's approach to public education. For the state's colleges and its university network, education professionals look to incorporate 21st century skills into higher education to prepare students for careers in the global economy. It includes an increase in need-based financial aid beginning in 2010, the potential for accelerated graduation and early entry into college for eligible students and even a long-term plan for free community college.
Additionally, a proposal was passed on May 28 to increase, by $3 million, the state-funded financial aid program, MASSGrant.
The locally-based Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts [PHENOM] views the moves as a step in the right direction. PHENOM, founded in 2007, worked to add an amendment to increase MASSGrant, even organizing a spring rally and lobby day at the State House.
"It is significant, especially in a year where most budget lines are being cut and few are being increased," said Ferd Wulkan, Lead Coordinator of PHENOM. "It means that more students will be able to access MASSGrant."
Wulkan said it will help a number of students but added it is a small move in what needs to happen to make higher education more accessible.
"Every year, the Board of Education looks at requests. The MASSGrant wasn't providing a whole lot for the students who need it most," said Lindsay McCluskey, a UMass student and member of the Board of Directors of PHENOM.
The group proposed an increase of $17 million, citing the dramatic effects more money could have on the program.
"We organized campaign meetings twice in person and also through e-mail and over the phone. And we had students with us who have powerful stories. They talked about the ways they pay for their education, the loan amounts they'll have when they graduate," McCluskey said.
On June 23, Governor Deval Patrick revealed his strategy to reform the state's approach to public education. For the state's colleges and its university network, education professionals look to incorporate 21st century skills into higher education to prepare students for careers in the global economy. It includes an increase in need-based financial aid beginning in 2010, the potential for accelerated graduation and early entry into college for eligible students and even a long-term plan for free community college.
Additionally, a proposal was passed on May 28 to increase, by $3 million, the state-funded financial aid program, MASSGrant.
The locally-based Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts [PHENOM] views the moves as a step in the right direction. PHENOM, founded in 2007, worked to add an amendment to increase MASSGrant, even organizing a spring rally and lobby day at the State House.
"It is significant, especially in a year where most budget lines are being cut and few are being increased," said Ferd Wulkan, Lead Coordinator of PHENOM. "It means that more students will be able to access MASSGrant."
Wulkan said it will help a number of students but added it is a small move in what needs to happen to make higher education more accessible.
"Every year, the Board of Education looks at requests. The MASSGrant wasn't providing a whole lot for the students who need it most," said Lindsay McCluskey, a UMass student and member of the Board of Directors of PHENOM.
The group proposed an increase of $17 million, citing the dramatic effects more money could have on the program.
"We organized campaign meetings twice in person and also through e-mail and over the phone. And we had students with us who have powerful stories. They talked about the ways they pay for their education, the loan amounts they'll have when they graduate," McCluskey said.
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