Framingham State Launches College Planning Center to Assist Low-Income and Underrepresented Students

Framingham State Launches College Planning Center to Assist Low-Income and Underrepresented Students

Dec 3, 2015

Navigating the college application process can be a daunting task for first-generation college students and their families. In an effort to close the achievement gap and enhance college readiness, participation and completion among underrepresented students, Framingham State has partnered with MassBay Community College to launch the MetroWest College Planning Center. Free services provided to students and families at the center include comprehensive financial counseling support, educational resources, and one-on-one advising and mentoring.

“We recognize that in order to meet the workforce needs of the state, we must close the achievement gap and reach out to underserved populations,” says Framingham State President Javier Cevallos. “Through the College Planning Center, we are going to be out in the community, walking people through the process and helping them see that the promise of a college education is attainable.”

The center is located in the recently renovated 1812 House off Salem End Road, on the edge of the FSU campus.

The mission of the CPC is to provide the necessary outreach, training, mentoring and advising to connect with youth and non-traditional adult learners in the region and guide them on their desired educational pathway to higher education. Opportunities exist to develop specific skills training through certificates, associate’s degrees, Mass. Transfer, or completion of a four year degree.

Since launching earlier this year, the center has already reached more than 2,300 people in the community, according to Director Colleen Coffey.

For more information about the MetroWest College Planning Center, visit www.framingham.edu.

About Framingham State University

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 as the nation’s first public university for the education of teachers. Since that time, it has evolved into a vibrant, comprehensive liberal arts institution offering small, personalized classes on a beautiful New England campus. Today, the University enrolls more than 6,000 students with 58 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences and professional fields. As a State College and University (SCU), Framingham State prides itself on quality academic programs, affordability, and commitment to access for all qualified students.