In this episode of the MEFA Podcast, host Jonathan Hughes talks with Community and Pathways Coordinator at Hoosac Valley Middle and High School, Erica Girgenti, about how Hoosac Valley integrates MyCAP into the curriculum. He also talks with Lindsay McGinnis, an Environmental Science Teacher, and two of her students, Abigail Martel and Olivia Silvernail, about their experience with MyCAP and their future in environmental science.

In this episode of the MEFA Podcast, host Jonathan Hughes talks with Joe Wyman, a liaison for the Office of Career and Technical Education within the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. They discuss MyCAP, a framework that engages students in the discovery of individual interests, skills, and talents, and how schools across the state are using MyCAP and integrating it with MEFA Pathway.

Starting July 1, 2026, new graduate students will no longer be able to borrow through the Federal Grad PLUS Loan program, a major shift in how many students finance advanced degrees. In this episode of the MEFA Podcast, host Jonathan Hughes talks with MEFA’s Director of College Relations, Shawn Morrissey, about what’s specifically changing, which federal loan options remain available, and how new state-based and private loan programs are stepping in with other financing options. Shawn also shares practical advice on comparing loan features, managing borrowing costs, and finding ways to reduce the amount to borrow.

In this episode of the MEFA Podcast, host Jonathan Hughes talks with Hale Pulsifer of Fidelity Investments about the powerful connection between disability, innovation, and employment. Hale shares how people with disabilities have inspired many everyday technologies and explains why companies that prioritize accessibility are seeing benefits for both employees and customers. The conversation also explores the rapid growth of disability employment and why now is a pivotal moment for inclusion in the workforce.

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Director of Recruitment at the College of the Holy Cross, Drew Carter, about how to lower pressure for students in the college search process. They explain why asking teens endless questions about their college preferences can overwhelm them, and why mini-exposures to campuses and casual conversations work better.

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with two students from Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical High School, as well as an instructor. Michael Solata ,an Advanced Manufacturing student, explains some of the machines and programs they use, while Catherine Aguilar, a Veterinary Technician student, discusses her coursework, her co-op, and the animals she works with.

Host Jonathan Hughes answers a question from a student at Blue Hills Regional Technical High School about whether financial aid can change from year to year and what factors may cause those changes.

Host Jonathan Hughes answers a question from a student at Blue Hills Regional Technical High School about borrowing limits for student loans.

Host Jonathan Hughes answers a question from a student at Blue Hills Regional Technical High School about the FAFSA and community college.

This episode is all in the family as host Jonathan Hughes talks to Donna Connolly, a longtime MEFA Ambassador and retired college access counselor, and her son Shaun Connolly, the producer of this podcast. They discuss their experience of choosing Shaun’s college when he was in high school, including the finances involved in the decision, the emotions that came with it, and what it was like for Donna, as a parent, to say “no” to her child’s first choice college.