HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – The State’s Higher Education Commissioner visited Holyoke Community College (HCC) on Wednesday.

Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega toured HCC, met with faculty and staff, and talked with students about their experiences at HCC.

Earlier this month, Governor Maura Healey announced $20 million in the proposed budget will go towards free community college. The administration said they want the funds to stretch beyond tuition and fees.

“To ensure that students don’t have worries beyond what they need to be doing on our campuses which is learning and finding ways to make themselves better for the future,” said Ortega.

Commissioner Ortega had a look at the resources available to students on campus, including the Center for Life Sciences which was partially renovated recently.