Despite a broad potential scope, “MassReconnect” program is expected to start out small, helping around 8,000 students in its first year. But Healey presented it as part of her administration’s broader reinvestment in public higher education, after years of flat or declining state support.
Tbf this is how it works in my state (California) and I’d assume many others with a similar program. They don’t want people that already have a degree (and thus potential for a higher paying job) coming in and inflating the program’s cost.
But if they want to switch careers because they’re not getting work in their’s, that’s kind of a bummer.
Honestly if I ever have kids I’m going to tell them that they can be whatever they want but they need to take a realistic look at the job market. Just be prepared to have shitty jobs to help support themselves if what they want to do won’t pay as much or be as available to them, or maybe be prepared to switch careers if they change their mind.
This is also how it works in Connecticut. While it may not be perfect, I don’t think it’s entirely unfair. It has the effect of a being a progressive social policy this way in that it is available for those who don’t already have it. Someday it like it to be carte blanche to everyone, but states doing this way is a solid start.