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Northern Essex Community College and UMass Lowell Early College programs, enabling high school students to earn college credit, Tuesday were formally awarded state grants to continue operating, add capacity and plan expansions.
All 55 existing Early College programs were awarded $50,000 to $125,000 to continue their work. These include such partnerships as Haverhill High School and Northern Essex Community College; Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School and Northern Essex Community College; Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School and North Shore Community College; and Lawrence High School with Merrimack College and Northern Essex Community College.
“Early College programs are great for our students and great for our economy. They allow students to get college credit while they’re still in high school at no cost, making it more affordable for them to get their degree and preparing them to succeed in their careers,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “We’re also strengthening our workforce by helping students graduate with the skills that are in demand by employers today.”
Officials said Early college participation increases college enrollment for all racial groups, but makes the biggest difference for Latino students who historically have been the least likely to matriculate to college. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll explained, “Designated Early College programs have been especially meaningful in Gateway Cities, rural communities and other districts that serve large numbers of potential first-generation college students.”
Northern Essex Community College was also awarded a $60,000 Capacity Grant and Methuen High School and UMass Lowell’s Commonwealth Collegiate Academy a planning grant of $90,789.
The amounts are part of $8 million in Early College grants to allow high school students to take college classes and earn college credit at no cost to them or their families. Money will be used to support schools and higher education institutions as they design new Early College programs and expand existing programs to provide an estimated additional 2,300 seats statewide, increase staffing and recruitment and provide professional development.
Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler said Early college programs are “opening doors for students who never considered college an option.” The number of students participating has increased by nearly 2,000 since school year 2022-2023—a 31% increase—and 16 new Early College program partnerships formed over the last two years. More than 9,000 students are expected to be supported this school year.