Quinsigamond Community College: Where students come first, dreams take shape, and opportunity begins.

QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja joins Talk of the Commonwealth to discuss the final weeks of the semester, including the Stuff a Cruiser toy drive and the Fourth Annual QCC Holiday Market. Pedraja also highlights the rising number of students facing food and housing insecurity, with more than 770 relying on the Home Plate Food Pantry since July, and the college’s emergency aid fund that helps keep students in school.

Dr. Louis Pedraja, President of Quinsigamond Community College, reflected on Hispanic Heritage Month and the importance of recognizing Latino contributions to American culture. He noted that QCC is now a “minority-majority” campus with 27% Latino enrollment, mirroring Worcester’s diversity. Pedraja praised free college programs for empowering underrepresented communities but voiced concern over the state’s plan to cut a $200 stipend that helps students cover essential expenses like rent, books, and food.

Quinsigamond Community College President Dr. Luis Pedraja says this fall’s enrollment has surpassed 9,000 students, marking the school’s largest student body since 2011. Speaking on The Talk of the Commonwealth, Pedraja credited free tuition programs and coordinated work across departments for a 14% increase in enrollment. He emphasized the college’s ongoing focus on student success and retention as key to Worcester’s economic future.