Shawsheen Tech Receives $25K Early College Planning Grant, Will Allow Tech Students To Take College Classes Offered By Middlesex Community College

Below is a press release from the Governor’s Office:

BOSTON, MA —  On the heels of last week’s State of the Commonwealth address in which Governor Maura Healey announced the goal of enrolling 100,000 Early College students by 2036, the administration is awarding $8.2 million in designated Early College grants that will support an additional 44 new partnerships between high schools and institutions of higher education. Early College allows high school students to take college classes and earn college credit at no cost to them or their families.

These funds will be used to support schools and higher education institutions as they design new Early College programs, expand existing programs, increase staffing and recruitment, and provide professional development. 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 high school.

The Shawsheen Valley Technical High School and Middlesex Community College received a Early College Planning Grant in the amount of $25,000.

“Early College is one of the strongest tools we have to make higher education more affordable and accessible for our students,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By doubling capacity in the next couple of years, we will be able to help more students—especially first-generation students and students of color—get a real head start on college and careers.”

“Early College doesn’t just save families money, it builds confidence and momentum for students who may not otherwise see themselves on a college campus,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This funding will help communities across the state create new pathways and expand proven programs that are changing students’ lives.”

“Early College helps students connect their education to real-world careers while saving time and money on a college degree,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “By expanding capacity and strengthening supports, we’re giving more students the opportunity to earn college credit, build confidence, and reach their full potential.”

The administration continues to expand designated Early College programs, adding 20 partnerships between high schools and institutes of higher education in 2025 and increasing the number of student participants by 3,700 since spring 2023, a 59 percent jump. More than 10,000 students are projected to participate in Early College this school year with the goal of providing Early College access to as many as 22,000 students by the end of the decade.

Recently, the administration released new data analysis that shows the state’s investment in Early College is paying off, with 66 percent of Early College graduates immediately enroll in higher education after high school, with the majority enrolling at a public college or university in Massachusetts. Once enrolled in higher education, former Early College are also persisting – with 87 percent staying in college through a second term and 82 percent returning to college for a second year.

“Early College is an important entry point to college, especially for students who might not otherwise attend,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “I’m excited to see Early College opportunities grow and to expand access for students.

“Early college is essential to growing both college access and student success,” said Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “By continuing to grow early college opportunities in Massachusetts, we benefit students, families, communities, and our Commonwealth’s future workforce.”

“The House has long recognized the power of Early College to strengthen postsecondary pathways for students,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “The success of Early College programming reflects the Commonwealth’s commitment to expanding access to higher education, particularly for those who may not see college as within reach. I’m proud to see that students in my district, and across the Commonwealth, will continue to benefit, and I thank Governor Healey for her ongoing support of this important work.”

“Early college programs are a powerful springboard for helping students get to college faster and for less money,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “These new investments will directly benefit MetroWest students at Framingham State University and many others across the entire state. I applaud the Governor for prioritizing these initiatives and look forward to seeing their positive impact on lives across Massachusetts.”

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s $8.2 million investment in Early College programs strengthens Massachusetts’ education and workforce pipeline,” said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “By helping students earn college credits and develop career skills early, we’re building a stronger, more competitive workforce that will thrive in the Commonwealth’s economy.”

This school year, there are 78 high schools and 32 higher education institutions participating in Early College. Families can use the Massachusetts School Finder to search for schools near them that offer Early College.