ROXBURY — The Healey-Driscoll Administration brought together over a hundred students, educators, school counselors, industry leaders, families, and community members over the past two days at Roxbury Community College to highlight the positive impacts that Early College programs have on students’ academic and career success.
Early College programs are a key part of the administration’s “Reimagining High School” initiative, ensuring Massachusetts students are prepared for college or careers when they graduate. These programs allow high school students, especially those underrepresented in higher education, to earn college credits at no cost to them or their families while still in high school.
“Early College programs are opening doors for students across Massachusetts – particularly first-generation college-goers – by making higher education more accessible and affordable,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “These Early College events showcased the incredible talent and determination of our students and the vital role families play in helping them succeed.”
“It is powerful to see educators and families come together to celebrate their students’ success and learn more about how they can support their journeys through Early College and beyond,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. “This was an incredible opportunity to connect with the Early College community to share individual ambitions and access tools for continued success.”
Thursday’s Early College Student Summit provided students with an opportunity to hear directly from their peers on how Early College has positively impacted their academic journeys and future career aspirations, as well as participate in hands-on workshops focused on leadership development, college readiness, and networking with professionals from diverse industries. Students were also provided with information on internships, scholarships, and college admissions that will help guide their next steps after high school.
Friday’s Early College Parent Engagement Rally provided parents and guardians with an opportunity to connect with administrators, students and fellow community members to learn more about Early College credits, career pathways and access hands-on guidance about the enrollment process, supporting students in college-level courses, and accessing scholarships and financial benefits.
“I’m so proud of the impact Early College programs are having in Massachusetts. Across the board, we’re seeing positive results in high school performance, graduation rates, and the desire to not only attend but graduate from college,” Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler said. “Early College increases enrollments for all racial groups but makes the biggest difference for Latino students who historically have been the least likely to enroll in higher education.”
“Early College is crucial for getting more students to and through higher education,” Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega said. “By taking part in Early College, students build academic confidence, explore their interests, and learn to navigate higher education, all of which help them succeed in college and choose a path that aligns with their passions and goals for the future.”
“Early College improves students’ lives by helping them earn college credit – and build confidence – while still in high school,” said Phylitia Jamerson, executive director of Early College at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. “Students can make the most of these opportunities by connecting courses to the goals students have for themselves after high school, and this year’s Early College events focused on helping students and families set goals and plan how to reach them.”
The administration continues to expand designated Early College programs, increasing the number of participates by nearly 2,000 since 2022, a 31 percent jump. In addition, the administration designated 16 new Early College program partnerships in the last two years, and more than 9,000 students are expected to be supported this coming school year.
In January, the administration awarded $8 million in designated Early College grants to support schools and higher education institutions as they design new Early College programs, as well as expand existing programs to provide an estimated additional 2,300 seats, increase staffing and recruitment, and provide professional development.
“Roxbury Community College’s Early College programs have grown substantially over the past few years, and we are just getting started,” said Roxbury Community College President Dr. Jonathan K. Jefferson. “We appreciate and share the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to providing young people with access to quality higher education at an early age. We look forward to our continued collaborative efforts to increase student success, provide meaningful career and academic pathways, and ensure economic mobility for the communities we serve.”
“It was great to see students and educators from Drury to Quincy – and everywhere in between – turn up to celebrate the power of Massachusetts Early College programs,” said Appointed to Lead Founder and CEO Stuart Gordon. “Some consider our students the leaders of tomorrow, but at the Early College Student Summit, I saw the leaders of today.”
For more information on Early College programs, visit DESE’s website.
