Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester announced on Wednesday it will use funding from the Federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund to relieve college-held debt for students enrolled in credit degree or certificate programming between March 13, 2020 and through the end for the spring 2021 semester.
The school will utilize more than $2.5 million to assist 1,687 students. The average debt forgiveness will total $1,525 per student.
“Our goal with this initiative is to remove the financial barrier of institutional debt that keeps many students from completing their education and achieving their goals in life,” said QCC President Luis Pedraja, in a statement.
According to QCC, of the students eligible for debt forgiveness, 52% are students of color, 58% are female and 48% are Worcester residents.
The school said in its announcement the decision will help put skilled workers into the workforce.
“We know education is the greatest equalizer, lifting people out of poverty and making lasting and positive change to our communities and our nation,” Pedraja said. “By eliminating this debt, we are taking an equitable approach to higher education.”
