CONNECT is a partnership of public higher education institutions in southeastern Massachusetts—Bridgewater State University, Bristol Community College, Cape Cod Community College, Massasoit Community College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

What is its mission?

Established in January, 2003, CONNECT has two basic goals: to improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of higher education; to advance the economic, educational, and cultural life of southeastern Massachusetts.

How does CONNECT fulfill its mission?

CONNECT realizes its mission by focusing on four major areas, with activities and initiatives that: enhance academic programs and ease transfer of students among the institutions; foster economic development throughout the region; promote cultural programs and projects; share expertise and resources. The executive officers of the CONNECT institutions act cooperatively to strengthen their institutional missions, and to enrich the life of the region.

What is the central message of CONNECT?

Higher education plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of life of both individuals and communities. As public institutions of higher education dedicated to serving the region and Commonwealth, the CONNECT schools are embedded and engaged in the well-being of the cities and towns that are their neighbors. There are no ivory towers here—only groups of citizens and institutions with expertise and resources to share. The CONNECT partnership strengthens the leavening role of public higher education in society. It has become a model for cooperation among regional institutions of higher education, and for interaction with various segments of society, for the betterment of all. Within this site are some examples of the work of CONNECT in the four major areas of its mission, examples of the partners’ vitality and impact on groups as numerous as they are diverse—from school districts, to businesses, to social service agencies, to governmental organizations.


Within this site are some examples of the work of CONNECT in the four major areas of its mission, examples of the partners’ vitality and impact on groups as numerous as they are diverse—from school districts, to businesses, to social service agencies, to governmental organizations.