About Early College in Massachusetts

Early College Vision Statement

The Massachusetts Early College Initiative conveys to students, particularly those who are underrepresented in the higher education system, a deep belief in their abilities and a firm commitment to their future. Through thoughtful outreach, the removal of financial and institutional barriers, and the provision of structured and supported academic pathways integrating college coursework, we are opening doors for high school students to not just access higher education, but thrive and persist towards a college degree and the realization of their dreams.

The Massachusetts Early College (EC) statewide Designation initiative was established by the MA Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Board of Higher Education in 2017. From its inception, the Massachusetts EC initiative has been rooted in a deep commitment to support more students, particularly those from populations historically underrepresented in higher education, in accessing and completing postsecondary educational opportunities. EC programs that adhere to the statewide Designation requirements are structured programs of study and supports that increase college success and career readiness, prioritizing student populations who are underrepresented in higher education. Early College students take strategically sequenced college classes during their regular high school day, at no cost to themselves or their families. They receive enhanced academic and advising support prior to and during college coursework to ensure successful completion of rigorous college courses and the development of skills to thrive in the unfamiliar, sometimes daunting, college environment. They graduate from high school with a significant number of college credits and skills needed to be successful in college and career, reducing the cost and time to degree completion.

Early College programs are rooted in five key design principles set forth in the joint resolution of the Boards of Elementary & Secondary Education and Higher Education, approved at their joint meeting on January 24, 2017. The design principles underpin all DESE designated Early College programs and are the foundation for the specific Designation Criteria programs must meet to earn Full Designation status. Those principles are:

PRINCIPLE 1: Equitable Access
PRINCIPLE 2: Guided Academic Programs
PRINCIPLE 3: Enhanced Student Support
PRINCIPLE 4: Connection to Career
PRINCIPLE 5: Effective Partnerships

Since the Commonwealth launched the EC Designation initiative in 2017, EC has successfully expanded college access for students least likely to pursue higher education. To learn more about our results, see the following Early College data story: Early College creates pathways to higher education | E2C Hub

Early College Joint Committee

Chris Gabrieli, Chair, Massachusetts Board of Higher Education
Matt Hills, Member, Massachusetts Board of Elementary & Secondary Education
Amy Kershaw, Acting Secretary of Education
Katherine Craven, Chair, Massachusetts Board of Elementary & Secondary Education
Paul Toner, Member, Massachusetts Board of Higher Education
Pedro Martinez, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (non-voting)
Noe Ortega, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (non-voting)