MAECP Designation Timeline

2023 - 2024

The Commonwealth is pleased to again offer its local secondary education agencies and institutions of higher education the opportunity to obtain formal designation for Early College Programs. Designed collaboratively by the EOE, DESE, and DHE, program designation will entail a two-step process (“Part A” and “Part B”).

Early College Program Designation Application Companion Document 2023 – This companion document is designed to provide important information on the Designation process and requirements, as well as context for the criteria to be met under each of the five Guiding Principles.

Additional Resource: NS4Ed, in partnership with the MA Early College staff, has created a resource site to support the Early College community of practice. You are currently on the resource website. However, to access designation-specific resources, click HERE

If you are seeking additional information on Early College, please contact the Early College Program Director at Kristin.E.Hunt@mass.gov.

Designation Timeline - SY2023-24

May 2023
- Access the Letter of Intent form.
- Access the Early College Part A Designation Application. Coming soon: Word document copy of the Application to be used to guide applicants.
- For more information about the components of the Application, please review the Part A Designation guidance in the Designation Companion document
May 2, 2023 — 1:00 p.m. – Designation Information Session. Click HERE to register.
June 7, 2023 – Letter of Intent due
Summer 2023
- Planning Grants Awarded
- Technical Assistance Sessions begin – Register for the summer series of sessions by clicking HERE. Individual session details coming soon!
- DESE and NS4ed Office Hours begin
August 25, 2023 — Part A Application due in Alchemer
September 2023 — Announcement of Applicants advancing to Part B.
Fall 2023
- Part B Technical Assistance Sessions begin – Details coming soon!
- DESE and NS4ed Office Hours continue
January 2024 — Part B Applications due
March 2024 -Designation recommendations reviewed by the Early College Joint Committee