Benefits Access for College Completion

In today's economy, it's more important than ever that students have the means to earn a higher education so they can land better jobs and support their families. By combining traditional student financial aid with public supports, students are better positioned to get by and complete their education. In September of 2012, Northampton Community College became part of an initiative that tests innovative approaches to increase the number of students who earn credentials toward college graduation.

Whether students can meet their financial needs often determines whether they can attend and complete college. Outside of tuition, there are many other costs students must pay that often stand between them and their education. These expenses lead students to work or attend school part-time so they can make ends meet. Research shows that both of these factors negatively impact college completion.

What is Benefits Access for College Completion?
Benefits Access for College Completion (BACC) will help NCC develop policies and practices that connect low-income students to an array of public benefits and community resources, such as food assistance, health care, and scholarship opportunities. The initiative runs through 2014 and will be evaluated to see if students who receive these resources can fill the gap between financial aid and the cost of attending college. BACC can:

• Link low-income students with the aid and resources needed to complete college
• Refer and assist students with the process  of applying for these services either in person or online
• Can help you obtain both public and community resources

BACC is funded by the Ford Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, Lumina Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations. The Annie E. Casey Foundation is also contributing to the initiative. It is managed by CLASP and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).