Mass Senate unveils plans for free community college for all

[Boston_Burbs]

I guess one argument AGAINST this, is in VT they offered free community college post COVID and the majority of those who signed up already had BS degrees or higher and were looking for certs. in something else (bookkeeping, graphic design) so they had to change the program to be only non-degree holders.

[msRB311]

Originally Posted by Boston_Burbs

I guess one argument AGAINST this, is in VT they offered free community college post COVID and the majority of those who signed up already had BS degrees or higher and were looking for certs. in something else (bookkeeping, graphic design) so they had to change the program to be only non-degree holders.

That's what was discovered with many of these online learning programs as well. The goal of many of them was to reach underprivileged people but most of the learners interested end up being lifelong learners - people who already have advanced degrees.

[BostonBornMassMade]

Originally Posted by Boston_Burbs

I guess one argument AGAINST this, is in VT they offered free community college post COVID and the majority of those who signed up already had BS degrees or higher and were looking for certs. in something else (bookkeeping, graphic design) so they had to change the program to be only non-degree holders.

VT doesn't have a huge urban lower/underclass. And is much older than MA on average. The demographics aren't comparable at all.

Things that happen in Northern NE, by and large, aren't really applicable to Southern NE due to the sheer differences in population size, age, race, and urbanity.

If that had happened in CT...you'd have a better argument against it in MA.

[PureBoston]

Cy

Originally Posted by simplexsimon

Why spend time arguing with someone who believes free school lunches is a bad idea?

It's extremely inventive to draw an equivalency between taxpayer funded community college and parents paying for an offspring's advanced education. Think about it objectively. And really no need to shout down a taxpayer for voicing an opinion regarding government's use of their money. I'm OK with it and some aren't.

[Dwatted Wabbit]

There's no such thing as free. I'll take a wild stab at this and say the working taxpayers will pay for the free.

[msRB311]

Originally Posted by Dwatted Wabbit

There's no such thing as free. I'll take a wild stab at this and say the working taxpayers will pay for the free.

of course. But people here make it seem like that's our duty and responsibility

[BostonBornMassMade]

Originally Posted by Dwatted Wabbit

There's no such thing as free. I'll take a wild stab at this and say the working taxpayers will pay for the free.

Free at the point of purchase. The difference is immaterial for the parties involved. And, really, for the parties not involved too.

[skeddy]

Sad truth is most that initially enroll won't last 2 semesters.

Unless there is some financial incentive to continue to go, like a monthly stipend to attend, they'll quit.

[BostonBornMassMade]

Originally Posted by skeddy

Sad truth is most that initially enroll won't last 2 semesters.

Unless there is some financial incentive to continue to go, like a monthly stipend to attend, they'll quit.

To the bolded- Gainful employment?

And sorry but what you describe in the Red is the case at community colleges as is, with paying students.

[BostonBornMassMade]

Some people want the lower socioeconomic rungs to value education and become employable but have issue with things that help that happen (Access to Exam Schools, Affirmative Action in College Admissions, Free Community College).

Reason being?- they dont actually want those people to do well because they view their economic status as part of a zero-sum game. If someone else does well then I must be suffering as a result, unless-perhaps- they are from my town and share my skin tone and world view.