Our Voices
Ensuring the full Implementation of Our Student Loan Bill Of Rights
Thanks to the efforts of Senator Lesser, Representative Higgins, and countless other student loan advocates, Massachusetts passed its own Student Loan Bill of Rights earlier this year. Now it is time to ensure that the bill is implemented in its entirety and that the...
The American “Dream Act:” Changes in Federal Immigration Policies
The United States is home to many immigrants, refugees, and undocumented residents. In Massachusetts, 1 in 6 residents are foreign-born and 29.3% of children in this state have at least one immigrant parent. In total, immigrants contribute $8.4 billion in federal...
EXPLORING ALTERNATIVES TO STUDENT LOANS
At Hildreth Institute, we are interested in innovative alternative programs to replace student loans. While proposals for tuition-free college and student debt cancellation must be part of the solution, for millions considering a higher education credential, the real...
Online Higher Education: The Death of Dorms and Residence Halls?
In March 2020, nearly every higher education institution transitioned from traditional in-person classes to completely remote online classes. During the following fall semester, many of these institutions remained remote. The swift transition to online learning...
The Post-Pandemic Community College
Community colleges have a crucial role in providing higher education to Americans. In fact, enrolling in community college is becoming more and more common. A study conducted by the College Board found that in 2014, nearly half, or 42%, of all undergraduate students...
Testifying in support of An Act to guarantee debt-free public higher education (H.1339, S.829)
Thank you Chairs Gobi and Rogers, Vice Chairs Comerford and Gentile, and members of the Joint Committee on Higher Education for the opportunity to share my research findings in support of An Act to guarantee debt-free public higher education. I am Bahar Akman Imboden,...
Testimonial in Support of Act relative to the endowment match program (H1357,S842)
Thank you Chairs Gobi and Rogers, Vice Chairs Comerford and Gentile, and members of the Joint Committee on Higher Education for the opportunity to speak to you about An Act relative to the endowment match program. My name is Bob Hildreth. I have co-founded nonprofit...
The Racialization of Student Debt
To quote MA state representative Ayanna Pressely, “You can’t be anti-racist if you’re anti student debt cancellation.” Student debt has the unique distinction of being a product of the racial wealth gap, and a factor that contributes to this disparity. In the midst...
Biden Extends Student Loan Relief, Why We Must Do More
We applaud President Biden for acting swiftly on his first day in office. Struggling student loan borrowers no longer need to worry about resuming monthly payments. The President’s directive to extend the existing student loan payments suspension with no accrual of...
The Student Loan Bill of Rights is Enacted in MA Economic Development Bill
For Immediate Release January 15, 2021 Contact: Andrew Farnitano, 925-917-1354, andrew@crawfordstrategies.com Hildreth Institute Applauds Enactment of Student Loan Bill of Rights in MA Economic Development Bill BOSTON – Last night, Governor Baker signed legislation...