Boston, MA (January 7, 2025) – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that it is awarding $8 million in designated Early College grants to allow 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, as well as expand existing programs to provide an estimated additional 2,300 seats, 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.

2024 Early College graduates

“Early College programs are great for our students and great for our economy. They allow students to get college credit while they’re still in high school at no cost, making it more affordable for them to get their degree and preparing them to succeed in their careers,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re also strengthening our workforce by helping students graduate with the skills that are in demand by employers today. We’re proud to be expanding Early College to more schools than ever.”

Statewide, 55 institutions have Early College Designation status. For years, NECC has proudly partnered with three local high schools that hold Early College Designation status; Lawrence High School (since 2018), Haverhill High School (since 2019), and Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School (since 2021). EC-designated programs are designed to empower students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education, helping them to gain access to and find success in college coursework. Statewide data reports that EC students are more likely to attend college immediately after high school graduation and more likely to persist from year one to year two.

“Designated Early College programs have been especially meaningful in Gateway Cities, rural communities, and other districts that serve large numbers of potential first-generation college students,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I’m pleased to see continued interest from districts and colleges in expanding existing programs and adding new ones.”

The new funding from the Healey-Driscoll Administration will be spread across all 55 existing designated Early College programs. They will receive $50,000 to $125,000 to continue their work. NECC will receive $60,000 from the Early College Capacity Grant.

The Early College program at NECC has grown from 250 students when it began in 2018 to over 1,000 students participating this year. Students choose one of six pathways when joining: Liberal Arts, Education, Criminal Justice, STEM, Health Care or Business. They come to NECC from 25 local high schools and home school programs.

Early College students who wish to continue their education at NECC following their high school graduation can often do so for free, by utilizing one of the college’s Promise Programs. Students must earn at least 15 credits in Early College and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible. Learn more about the Promise Programs and Early College at Northern Essex here.