The MEFA Podcast

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...

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 w...

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...

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...

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 Do...

Host Jonathan Hughes is joined by frequent guest of the MEFA Podcast and founder and president of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA), Betsy Mayotte. They discuss changes to the Parent PLUS and Grad PLUS Federal Loans, as well as other changes within the federal loan programs offered by the Department of Education.

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Jenna Shales, Executive Director of Student Accessibility Services at Bridgewater State University, about resources in higher education for students with disabilities. They discuss the key differences between K-12 and college disability services, the importance of student-led advocacy, the range of accommodations and campus resources available, and what to look for...

Host Jonathan Hughes speaks with HVAC and Plumbing Technician Matthew Belcher. They discuss Matthew’s education and career choices, which include community college, the trades, teaching, and owning his own business, as well as pivots in his industry, and his advice on learning, mentorship, and finding the right path after high school.

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with six seniors from New Bedford High School about their experience navigating the college admissions and financial aid process. They discuss campus visits, college applications, financial aid forms, and the emotions of the entire process.

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with economist Sandy Baum, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute, about the complexities of college pricing. They discuss the difference between the sticker price and net price of college, how inflation affects the cost of going to school, and why many students are actually paying less for college now than they did a decade ago.

In this end-of-year wrap-up, host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna look back at hot topics and MEFA content that resonated the most with families in 2025. They review popular podcast episodes, top-read articles, and most-viewed videos, with topics ranging from 529 plans to financial aid tools to college admissions trends, and more. They also offer a look ahead to MEFA’s work in the...

Host Jonathan Hughes welcomes back Executive Director at ISS Market Intelligence, Paul Curley, to discuss the latest data on how families are using 529 college savings plans. Paul busts some of the most persistent myths surrounding 529s and walks through expanded uses of the plans. They also talk about the growing role of gifting in college savings.

Host Jonathan Hughes talks to Patricia Roberts, Chief Operating Officer at Gift of College, about the importance of saving for the future, her personal experience saving for college for her son, college gifting, and the MEFA gift cards now available.

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Mark Stucker of the podcast, Your College-Bound Kid . They discuss the intricate landscape of college rankings and their implications for prospective students. They delve into the different methodologies employed by various ranking organizations and the significant variability in their outcomes.

Host Jonathan Hughes talks to three financial aid experts on location at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) Conference in Anaheim, California. Jonathan talks to  Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Executive Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at Auburn University, Celena Tulloss, Executive Vice President of NASFAA, Beth Maglione, an...

Host Jonathan Hughes talks to MEFA’s Director of College Relations, Shawn Morrissey, about filling out the 2026-27 FAFSA. They discuss how much easier filing the form has become, the steps you need to take to file, and how to ask questions if you do get stuck.

Host Jonathan Hughes speaks with MEFA’s Julie Shields-Rutyna about tips for filling out the 2026-27 FAFSA. They also answer a question from the MEFA Mailbag about remarried parents filing the FAFSA. Jonathan then talks to Managing Director at Fidelity Investments, Cory Latham, about the results of Fidelity and MEFA’s recent College Savings & Student Debt Study.

Host Jonathan Hughes talks to Managing Director at Fidelity Investments, Cory Latham, about expanded uses for 529 and 529A plans, including MEFA’s U.Fund and Attainable Savings Plans. They discuss the expanded uses of 529 funds for K-12 expenses and certain credentialing programs, as well as the changes to ABLE accounts, which include expanding eligibility requirements, making certain provisions p...

Host Jonathan Hughes talks to three current and former U.Plan customers about their experiences of saving for college with MEFA’s Prepaid Tuition Program. They discuss what made them save, why they choose the U.Plan specifically, and more.

In part two of this two-part interview, host Jonathan Hughes talks to Betsy Mayotte of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA) about changes to student loan borrowing and forgiveness, including PSLF regulations and borrowing limits for undergraduate students, graduate students, and Parent PLUS Loan borrowers.