The Early College initiative in Massachusetts is showing significant traction in propelling students towards higher education, as per a recent report by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Governor Maura Healey has highlighted the program's success, especially for students who, historically, have not had equitable opportunities to pursue college. "The numbers don’t lie — Early College works," said Healey, underscoring the importance of such programs in fostering confidence and providing essential skills to young students, according to a government release.
Data analysis shows that 66 percent of the initiative's graduates immediately pursue higher education post-high school, and 87 percent remain enrolled for a second term, with most of them choosing public colleges in Massachusetts. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll reiterated the impact on closing opportunity gaps, stating, "Massachusetts has the best public schools in the nation, but we know that access to higher education is not equal for all of our students." Driscoll pointed out the effectiveness of Early College in setting young students on a successful path.
The reach of the Early College program is not just a testament to its effectiveness but also its expansive ambition. This school year alone, there are 69 high schools and 32 higher education institutions involved, supporting around 10,000 students. Parents looking to harness the benefits of the initiative can find participating schools using the Massachusetts School Finder tool.
The program's inclusiveness extends to students who are typically underrepresented in higher education. Hispanic or Latino students in the state have a college-going rate of 43 percent; however, after participation in Early College, their rate improves to 56 percent. Forty-one percent of Early College graduates were Hispanic or Latino, and 16 percent were Black or African American, data which suggests a narrowing of the educational divide. Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler expressed the outcomes as "remarkable," noting, "Early College does exactly what it’s designed to do: help students see themselves as college material, earn real credits before they graduate, and get the guidance they need to stay on course."
Investments in the Early College program are a pivotal aspect of the Healey-Driscoll Administration's approach toward "Reimagining High School." With 18 new Early College partnerships announced in June, the initiative aims to create additional seats for interested students and eventually widen its scope to serve up to 20,000 students by the end of the decade. Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega praised the program, "Early College is proving to be one of the most powerful tools we have to increase access to higher education in Massachusetts."
