There is new hope for students struggling during the pandemic to pay for higher education.

Kellie Taylor, from Stratford, is a student at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport.

After her mother lost her job due to the pandemic, she wasn't sure if she would ever be able to afford an education - until a new program at the school came to her rescue.

"I was ecstatic. It was a financial relief of burden off my shoulders knowing that I don't have to worry about how to pay for college and just worry about my education and what I want to do with my future," said Taylor.

It's called The Equity Project. The program plans to increase access to higher education, retention and academic achievement for low-income students in greater Bridgeport.

Housatonic CEO Doctor Dwayne Smith says an associate degree can increase your income by 33%. He says he believes in this initiative so much that he is committing $10,000 of his own money.

"The power of education - it transforms lives. I am a living witness of that. Growing up impoverished but able to earn three degrees and give back to the community," said Smith.

The Equity Project at HCC is funded by the Ernest and Joan Trefz Foundation, Bigelow Tea and M&T Bank.