Higher education may be within reach for more state residents.
The recently approved state budget includes additional funding for the state’s free community college program, called Pledge to Advance Connecticut, or PACT.
The appropriation for PACT will increase from the current $15 million in fiscal year 2023 to $23.5 million for fiscal year 2024, and $28.5 million in fiscal year 2025, according to Leigh Appleby, a spokesperson for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system.
The PACT program provides funding to cover any gap between federal, state and institutional grants which students receive, and the full price of tuition and mandatory fees at the state’s community colleges. It doesn’t cover expenses such as textbooks and supplies.
Students were able to start taking advantage of the program in fall of 2020. The funding is available regardless of family income level.
The program has been geared toward first-time college students. According to Appleby, eligibility is being expanded to include non-first-time students.
CSCU President Terrence Cheng praised the additional funding for the program and expansion of eligibility. According to Cheng, the program aided 11,160 students in the past academic year.
While advocating for changes during the budget hearing process, Cheng said the changes would “go a long way towards increasing access and affordability of CSCU institutions for thousands of Connecticut residents.”
The goal of the PACT program, according to the state, is to mitigate debt for students and families. Officials also want to increase student enrollment at community colleges, retain students who are enrolled, and help them finish on time.
