H.E.A.R.T. opens doors for future leaders
Gail E. Carberry
Mary Lou Retelle
Communities are strongest when they have talented, passionate and college-educated professionals filling some of society's most important roles: firefighters, police officers and social workers.
Here in Massachusetts, there is no shortage of people with outstanding potential, but many question whether they can afford the education needed to best serve their communities. These concerns are not unfounded.
As presidents of two institutions that attract many of these ambitious and community service-minded students – Anna Maria College and Quinsigamond Community College – we decided it was time for a change. When a person chooses to devote his or her life to serving others and wants to get the education required to do so, cost should not stand in the way.
In December, our institutions announced the Higher Education and Active Responsiveness through Transfer (H.E.A.R.T.) Initiative. This partnership allows students to achieve an associate degree and a bachelor's degree for a total of $40,000 when they select majors in criminal justice, fire science/emergency management, human services or social work.
This initiative – one of the most affordable bachelor's degrees in the Northeast – is an option for students enrolling in QCC starting in the fall of 2016. Those choosing to take part automatically become part of the Anna Maria College community, and those who qualify are guaranteed admission to Anna Maria for their junior and senior years.
Not only does the H.E.A.R.T. Initiative provide for an affordable, seamless transfer from a public community college into a private, four-year institution, but students benefit at the outset from the ability to take part in the social, athletic and other campus events offered by Anna Maria, while also having access to academic advising specific to each student's major.
Through our shared visions, Anna Maria College and Quinsigamond Community College are proud to be able to offer something to individuals who want to serve their communities. We are committed to providing an educational experience that not only prepares students academically, but promotes and fosters the social justice values that lead them to our institutions in the first place.
At a time when colleges are often asked to find ways to reduce the financial burden of escalating tuition borne by students and their families, we are proud to show leadership in not only offering a highly affordable degree, but recognizing the importance of creating a pathway for those seeking these noble careers. We hope our public-private partnership can serve as a model as we strive to help people reach their dreams of a degree in a way that is affordable.
In fall of 2016, we will welcome the first class of H.E.A.R.T. Initiative students. In doing so, we will know that we are meeting a future generation of leaders with a passion for giving back. As these students grow into empowered community leaders, the H.E.A.R.T. Initiative will have done its job in opening the door for service-minded people.
Gail E. Carberry, Ed.D. is president of Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester. Mary Lou Retelle is president of Anna Maria College in Paxton.
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