Assisting low-income students success through work-study

The bill aims to help low-income students succeed by creating a work-study program in Massachusetts community colleges. It establishes a trust fund to provide state-funded work-study employment for eligible students and creates coordinator positions to help students access resources. Bunker Hill Community College and the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges will oversee the program, reporting outcomes annually. Coordinators will assist students with career planning, financial aid, and other supports.

MA S945 is a senate bill in the Massachusetts 194th General Court, sponsored by Michael Moore (D), currently “Introduced” since February 27, 2025.

We track 6,364 Massachusetts bills this session, 82 of them sponsored by Michael Moore.

Supporters praise the bill for providing crucial assistance to low-income students through a dedicated work-study program. It helps remove barriers by offering financial support and career guidance, ensuring students can complete their education and transition into the workforce effectively. The creation of coordinator positions and the establishment of a trust fund demonstrate a strong commitment to improving educational opportunities for those in need.

Critics argue that the bill may create redundant bureaucracy and pressure on community colleges, potentially leading to ineffective use of resources. Concerns include the reliance on state funding and the administrative burden of managing a new trust fund and coordinator positions. Some may question whether the bill truly addresses the root causes of educational inequity or merely provides temporary relief without guaranteeing long-term student success.