By Shanni Smith-Arsenault Ed.D., Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success
GCC is proud to be one of six Massachusetts higher education institutions selected to partner with ReUp Education, a national initiative dedicated to re-engaging students who left college before completing a degree.
These students have already invested time and effort in their education by earning college credits. GCC believes that no one who has taken those crucial first steps toward higher education should be left behind. Through this partnership, the college can now provide the focused support they need to return and finish what they started.
Each student who stepped away from college has a unique story. Some faced a family emergency, financial hardship or health challenges. Others felt overwhelmed by competing demands. ReUp’s model provides personalized coaching tailored to each student’s specific circumstances, strengthening both the motivation and practical support needed to successfully re-enroll.
This initiative ensures that students are able to return and be well positioned to thrive upon completion. Completing a degree can be transformational, opening doors to career advancement and greater economic mobility. GCC’s flexible programs and strong wraparound support services make it an ideal environment for adult learners balancing work, family responsibilities and life’s unexpected challenges.
GCC is already seeing encouraging results: nearly two dozen students have re-enrolled for spring 2026. While state funding launched this pilot, sustaining and expanding this work will require continued investment. Donor support builds the long-term capacity for outreach and coaching that makes these second chances possible. With continued support, more students cross the finish line while strengthening our workforce and our entire community in the process.
For more information, visit https://gccfor.me/reup or call (413) 775-1801.
When you give to GCC, you create opportunity, stability and possibility for our students and our community. Where your support makes a difference:
Student Basic Needs & Emergency Support: Helping students cover food and urgent expenses so they can remain in school
The GCC Impact Fund: Providing flexible resources to meet emerging needs and strengthen student success
Scholarship Support: Expanding access to education and opening pathways to opportunity
Endowment Growth: Building lasting support for future generations of GCC students. * Endowment gifts received before 6/30/2026 will be matched by 50% *
