During the current recession, from FY 2008 to 2010, many states decreased their support, but none cut by as much as Massachusetts (a whopping 37%).  Even when the federal stimulus funds are taken into account, Massachusetts' cut of 19.9% is surpassed only by Alabama.

What will it take to reverse this trend?  PHENOM believes it requires a mass grassroots movement of students, their families, staff, faculty, community members, alumni and administrators all speaking with a very loud, unified voice that politicians will not be able to ignore.  That is the goal of "For a Great State of Mind", the campaign being launched by PHENOM on January 31.

PHENOM is launching this ambitious multi-year grassroots campaign for a dramatic increase in investment in public higher education in Massachusetts.  Read the exciting details!  The goal is to bring Massachusetts up to the national average in state support and down to the average in costs for students.  The campaign will be launched on January 31 at 3:00 PM at UMass Amherst at an inspiring and festive event complete with food, beautiful campaign materials and an exciting keynote speaker, Victor Sanchez, president of the University of California Student Association, who will provide a national perspective.  Please RSVP to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you will attend.