Erika Lara Contreras
Massachusetts should expand access to Early College because it is a bridge to higher education for students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation college students, and those from minority communities. Expanding Early College will ensure that more students receive the benefits of a high-quality education, career exploration opportunities, and a more affordable path to a college degree. Without Early College providing me with opportunities to explore my passions and gain college experience, I would not be where I am today.
Early College programs prepare students for academic success by helping them develop strong study habits and fostering a college-ready mindset. In my own experience, Early College prepared me mentally for the transition from high school to college. By the time I took my first set of college classes, I felt fully prepared and knew what to expect from my professors. I also learned to manage my time effectively, be accountable for my assignments, and take responsibility for my education. Through rigorous coursework and academic support, Early College equipped me with the tools I’m using in college now.
Many students enter college unsure of their interests or the career paths they wish to pursue. In addition to the academic benefits, Early College helps students discover their passions by exposing them to various career fields and allowing them to make informed decisions about their futures. Early College helped me realize that I wanted to enter the healthcare field, and taking courses related to that goal strengthened my interest and confirmed that this was the career I wanted to pursue.
Career exploration and rigorous academic opportunities are especially beneficial for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Research indicates that students with fewer resources and inadequate preparation are more likely to struggle in STEM majors. According to MassINC, high dropout rates in STEM fields disproportionately affect students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Early College programs that expose students to these fields and equip them with the necessary coursework can help promote both equity for students and economic growth for Massachusetts. By providing students with insight into their interests and possible future career choices, Early College sets them on a clearer path to success.
Additionally, Early College significantly reduces the financial burden of college for students and their families. Early College allows students to earn college credits while still in high school, at no cost to themselves or their families, saving thousands of dollars in tuition and fees. During my senior year, I had the opportunity to participate in the Early College Promise Year program at my school. The program is allowing me to attend my first year of college for free, reducing stress and alleviating a significant financial burden for my family.
Early College in Massachusetts offers numerous benefits, such as allowing students to earn free college credits, explore potential career paths, and build a strong foundation for success in higher education. As an Early College Policy Fellow, a first-generation college student, and someone who has personally experienced the transformative power of Early College, I understand its value and the positive impact it has on communities. By expanding Early College, Massachusetts can build bridges to opportunity, ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has the chance to thrive in their pursuit of higher education and professional success.
Erika Lara Contreras is a Lynn resident, a Biology major at Salem State University, and a fellow for the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College.
