The Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR) today allocated $3 million in one-time funding to launch the Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT). Passed as part of the 2019 biennial budget, but without a designated source of funding, PACT is Connecticut’s tuition and fee-free community college program. The BOR’s action is expected to cover PACT scholarships for eligible students for the fall 2020 semester, but additional state funding would be required for the program to continue in the spring.

“With the economic effects of the pandemic lingering, the opportunity for individuals to access a community college education is more imperative than ever,” said David Levinson, Interim President of Connecticut State Community College. “The Board of Regents’ action today is an important, albeit temporary, step to get the tuition and fee-free community college program up and running for the fall semester. We look forward to working with our legislative partners to find a permanent solution – and in the meantime, we encourage folks to apply to the community college nearest them.”

In order to qualify for PACT, potential students must meet the following requirements:

• Be a graduate of a public or private Connecticut high school (GED and homeschooled students qualify).
• Be a first-time college student (those who participated in dual enrollment programs while in high school are not excluded).
• Fill out FAFSA and accept all awards.
• Attend community college full-time (12 or more credits per semester).
• Apply and register by July 15, 2020 for priority consideration.
• Participate in a degree or credit-bearing certificate program.
• Once enrolled, remain in good academic standing.

“For everyone from recent high school graduates to older adults seeking a college education for the first time, community college provides a high-quality educational option close to home,” said Alison Buckley, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Connecticut State Community College. “With first time students now eligible to pursue an associate degree tuition and fee-free, which can transfer seamlessly to a four-year university, there has never been a better time to apply and register at one of Connecticut’s community colleges.”

Potential students seeking to learn more about PACT can visit the Three Rivers webpage on free college and PACT.