The MassEducate program is designed to provide free community college education to all Massachusetts residents, with a particular focus on students under the age of 25. This initiative builds on the existing MassReconnect program, which serves students aged 25 and older. As of Fall 2024, the program has experienced a 6.6% increase in enrollment among younger students, totaling 35,505 participants. MassEducate functions as a last-dollar financial aid program, covering remaining tuition and fees after other forms of aid have been applied, and also offers allowances for books and supplies. To be eligible for a MassEducate grant, students must meet specific residency, enrollment, and financial aid application criteria.

The bill emphasizes the importance of improving FAFSA completion rates among eligible students under 25, highlighting disparities in completion rates across various racial and ethnic groups. While some demographics have seen increases in completion rates, many qualifying students still do not complete the FAFSA. Key insertions in the bill include the addition of "credit & prior" education requirements and the specification of "MassEducate" residency requirements to clarify eligibility criteria. Furthermore, the bill introduces metrics for tracking retention rates of students under 25 and MassEducate grant recipients, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing student retention and addressing barriers to enrollment and completion within the program.