Student Loan Reimbursement

December 13, 2024

A brand-new state program stands to help thousands of people pay back part of their student loan debt. Read below to find out if you are eligible and when you can apply!

A local school is making the grade when it comes to getting kids ready for college and their careers! I'll let you know which school is ranked in the top 25 in the state.

Time is running out to enroll for health insurance via Access Health CT. Please keep scrolling to see one of the upcoming deadlines for coverage.

Here are the sections in this week's email:

  • Student Loan Reimbursement Program Rolls Out in January 
  • Local Elementary School Ranked in Top 25 
  • Access Health CT Open Enrollment
  • Help for Families of Young Children Access Permanent Housing
  • Student Donates Socks to Those in Need
  • Community Events
 
Student Loan Reimbursement
Program Rolls Out in January

Connecticut is taking a major step in trying to help people pay off their student loans. The state plans on launching a pilot program for Student Loan Reimbursement on January 1, 2025. The current budget cycle has allocated $6 million for the first year of the program.

This year, my colleagues and I approved this bipartisan measure, which could help hundreds of thousands of individuals and families. Eligible applicants will receive up to $5,000 a year with a $20,000 cap over four years and will be awarded on a first-come first-serve basis.

The requirements are the following:

  • Must have graduated from a public or private college or university in Connecticut with a bachelor’s or associate degree or have an occupational/professional license or certificate or left such college in good standing and was granted a hardship waiver by the Office of Higher Education
  • Must be a Connecticut resident for at least five consecutive years
  • Must have an income below $125,000 if filing single in 2023
  • Must have an income below $175,000 if filing married in 2023
  • Must have made payments towards student loans
  • Must have 50 hours of volunteering time after January 1, 2024

This legislation represents a true bipartisan effort to support the people of Connecticut and to spur economic growth across our state.
 
Questions should be directed to OHE.SLRP@CT.GOV. The application process opens on January 1.
Click here to learn more & apply in January
 
Local Elementary School Ranked in Top 25 

Skinner Road School cracked the list of top 25 elementary schools in the state in the Next Generation Accountability Index. Vernon Superintendent Joseph Macary says the index moves beyond test scores and graduation rates but looks at how well a school prepares students for success in college, careers, and life.

Skinner Road School finished 21st with a score of 86.0. CLICK HERE to see the entire list.
 
Access Health CT Open Enrollment

You can enroll right now for health insurance through Access Health CT (AHCT). If you want coverage to start on January 1, 2025, you must enroll on or before Sunday. If a customer enrolls between December 16, 2024, and January 15, 2025, coverage will start February 1, 2025.

Anyone who lives in Connecticut can shop and compare health insurance plans or renew their coverage. Customers may also enroll in dental insurance through AHCT. Open enrollment runs through January 15, 2025.

AHCT is the only place Connecticut residents can get financial help to pay for their health insurance. Nearly 90% of AHCT customers enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) receive assistance. Some customers might also qualify for the Covered CT Program. This program provides no-cost insurance for eligible residents.

Free help to sign up is available online, in person, and over the phone. For a list of enrollment fairs and to register, visit the Enrollment Events webpage on the AHCT website. Information about enrollment locations and Navigator locations is also listed. Customers can also get help from a certified broker or enrollment specialist in their community.
Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click "Get Help" or call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available in more than 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator. People can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website.
 
Help for Families of Young
Children Access Permanent Housing
Governor Lamont’s Administration is continuing a groundbreaking initiative to connect young children experiencing homelessness with permanent housing. This initiative works collaboratively with the recently launched Head Start on Housing pilot program. It provides low-income families with young children access to free services centered around early learning and development, health, and family well-being.
Since its launch, Connecticut’s Head Start on Housing pilot program has housed 144 families, including 317 children. The Connecticut Department of Housing will allocate 50 vouchers annually for Head Start and Early Head Start families. Connecticut has engaged housing and Head Start providers in several other states who have requested assistance in modeling the program.
Click here for more information
 
Student Donates Socks to Those In Need
A student delivered thousands of socks to the Cornerstone Foundation to help those in need. Tommy, a junior at Rockville High School, collected 2,084 pairs this year as part of Socktober in memory of former Cornerstone Deputy Director Bryan Flint.
Tommy collected from local schools, businesses, nonprofits, and any other place he could think of to get socks. He started this annual collection and donation in 3rd grade after Flint encouraged him to do so. I would like to thank Tommy for his time and dedication to helping others.
 
Community Events
Arts Center East is hosting the Signature Artist Members Exhibit now through January 4. It will be open from 1 P.M. - 5 P.M. at 709 Hartford Turnpike.

The Friends of Rockville Public Library will hold its annual Holiday Cookie Sale on Saturday, December 14 from 10 A.M. -1 P.M.

Early pickup is available upon request on Friday, December 13 from 2 P.M.-3 P.M. You can order two pound trays of cookies for $16 by calling the library at (860) 875-5892.