Press Release: 2025-03-12 00:00:00
Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Success of Higher Education Financial Aid Road Show
Education Secretary Tutwiler, higher education officials visited 8 schools across Massachusetts; spoke with hundreds of students about historic financial aid opportunities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
3/11/2025
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Jason Law, Press Secretary and Events Coordinator
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Call Jason Law, Press Secretary and Events Coordinator at 617-895-6556
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BOSTON — The Healey–Driscoll Administration concluded its Higher Education Financial Aid Road Show this week, capping off a five-week tour across Massachusetts that encouraged students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for the nearly $400 million available in state financial aid. The administration has been focused onseeing that students have consistent and equal access to the information, tools, guidance, and resources that they need to pursue all types of postsecondary opportunities.
Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega, and other state and local education leaders visited eight high schools throughout February and March and spoke with hundreds of students to promote the state’s many financial aid programs and grants. The discussions allowed students and educators to provide direct feedback and suggest ways to increase FAFSA completion rates through social media, advertising, and word of mouth.
“We are committed to making college more accessible and affordable for all Massachusetts students,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through the Financial Aid Road Show, our administration connected directly with students to ensure they know about the resources available to help them pay for college. I’m proud of the work we’ve done and look forward to building on this momentum to continue expanding educational opportunities.”
“Understanding financial aid options is a critical step in making higher education attainable,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This Road Show has been an incredible opportunity to engage with students in every corner of the Commonwealth, break down barriers and make sure everyone has the tools they need to plan for their future.”
“I am so inspired after speaking with so many bright and enthusiastic high school students who are hungry to learn more about higher education opportunities,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Free and affordable college is more accessible than ever, thanks to historic investments by the Healey-Driscoll Administration and our partners in the legislature. The Financial Aid Road Show connected with hundreds of sophomores, juniors and seniors and made it clear they can pursue their academic and career goals without having to worry about cost.”
The Higher Education Financial Road Show made stops at high schools in Lynn, Athol, Lawrence, Springfield, Harwich, Great Barrington, New Bedford and Brockton. Each student was provided a QR code that connects them to the state’s financial aid website where they can learn more about completing the FAFSA and available financial aid programs and grants.
Photos and videos from the Financial Aid Road Show are available online.
“The Financial Aid Road Show was a valuable opportunity to tell students about all of the state financial aid available to help make college affordable,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “I also enjoyed hearing from students about how to reach them and their peers as we spread the word about college access. Engaging with students is a reminder of why we work so hard to make sure each student can bring their experiences, talents, and ideas to our college campuses here in Massachusetts.”
“There are historic amounts of financial aid available in Massachusetts to increase the opportunity for students to go to college,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston. “The Financial Aid Road Show was a great way to help spread the word about that aid and how students can access it.”
Governor Healey’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget maintains the significant investments that have made Massachusetts’ higher education system more equitable, accessible and affordable. This includes $80 million for MASSGrant Plus, $118 million for free community college, and $28 million for SUCCESS funding at public community colleges and universities.
Students can learn more about state financial aid by visiting Mass.gov/StudentAid.
Statements of Support
Second Assistant Majority Leader Frank A. Moran:
"I am deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for all their efforts to support the students of Massachusetts and to ensure that our young people are being provided with the resources to succeed in all facets of life. Massachusetts has long prided itself on being a national leader in education and initiatives such as this will help prepare our students to continue their educational journey without significant financial barriers. Governor Healey and Secretary Tutwiler have been tremendous partners to the City of Lawrence and the Town of Andover, and I very much appreciate the Executive Office of Education taking the time to visit the students of Lawrence High School as part of this road show."
Senator Adam Gomez:
"Building on the success of MassReconnect alongside the Healey-Driscoll administration and colleagues in the legislature, students across Massachusetts regardless of immigration status can take advantage of financial aid opportunities with the passage of MassEducate last session. I am incredibly honored to have contributed to the passage of this historic piece of legislation and grateful to Secretary Tutwiler for visiting the City of Springfield to speak to our young people."
Representative Sean Reid:
“The college process can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating financial aid. By meeting students where they’re at and providing information and resources directly to them, we’re making it easier for them to take the next step in their academic journey without uncertainty holding them back. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Secretary Tutwiler, and Commissioner Ortega for their continued commitment to investing in and expanding access to higher education.”
Representative Hadley Luddy:
"Access to higher education is tied directly to finances, and for the majority of students who need financial aid, the application process can be daunting. I'm thrilled to see Massachusetts yet again leading the way in our efforts to help young people pursue college with more access, information and help with their financial aid pursuit. Many students in the 4th Barnstable district will benefit from these efforts."
Representative Leigh Davis:
“The Financial Aid Road Show accomplished its mission by spreading the word about historic financial aid opportunities in Massachusetts. I was with Secretary Tutwiler last week as he engaged with nearly 40 students at Monument Mountain Regional High School in Great Barrington. It was an inspiring conversation and I want to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for shining a light on all the great higher education opportunities in our state.”
Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson:
“We were honored to host Secretary Tutwiler and Commissioner Ortega at Lynn Classical as part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s higher education financial aid roadshow. Our students learned that with advances in financial aid, financial barriers should not preclude access to higher education. It was particularly fulfilling to see these statewide educational leaders engage directly with our students, who asked relevant questions and shared insightful ideas.”
Springfield Public Schools Chief of Student Services Yolanda Johnson:
“Springfield Public Schools is laser focused on providing every student with the tools, information and resources to pursue postsecondary opportunities and fulfill their college and career dreams and aspirations. Education Secretary Tutwiler’s Roadshow visit to our district helps raise awareness and spread the message about the many free and affordable college opportunities in Massachusetts and serves as an impetus to encourage more of our students to complete the FAFSA and apply for the millions of dollars in financial aid provided by our state.”
Latinos for Education founder and CEO Amanda Fernandez:
"Navigating financial aid is a significant challenge, especially for first-generation Latino students and historically underserved communities. I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for meeting students where they are and ensuring they can access our Commonwealth’s historic investments in financial aid. The Financial Aid Road Show helped bridge the information gap in key Gateway Cities, creating equitable pathways to higher education and economic mobility for Latino students and many other historically underserved students."
uAspire Massachusetts Policy Director Femi Stoltz:
“As students consider their plans for after high school, it is essential they know about the state and federal financial aid that could make college an affordable option. We commend the Healey-Driscoll Administration for prioritizing financial aid and ensuring that our students have access to this critical information.”
EdTrust Senior Policy Analyst Genesis Carela:
“The Financial Aid Road Show has been an invaluable initiative in helping students navigate the often complex world of financial aid. By prioritizing direct outreach and clear guidance, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has ensured that students across the Commonwealth understand the opportunities available to them. Expanding access to information about financial aid is a crucial step toward closing equity gaps and ensuring that all students, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to pursue their academic and career goals.”
OneGoal Massachusetts Executive Director Amanda Seider:
“At OneGoal, our students often tell us that financial aid is a major barrier to postsecondary education. We applaud the Healey Administration and Secretary Patrick Tutwiler for spreading awareness of our state’s generous financial aid options, and ensuring students have the knowledge and access they need to pursue a credential and a life of opportunity.”
Athol Town Manager Shaun Suhoski:
"Education and training are key drivers of future community and economic success. Tuition relief will unlock opportunity for all of our youth — whether they be interested in creating things, making things or fixing things — to build a strong and diverse skill set in our future leaders."