Early College programs are intentionally designed to empower students traditionally underrepresented in higher education. MA Early College Designated Programs work to blend elements of high school and college to provide students with the opportunity to experience and complete college level academic coursework on a clearly articulated pathway and simultaneously gain exposure to a variety of career opportunities. Early college programs also reduce the time and expense of earning a college credential while increasing the likelihood of completion.
In 2016, the Boards of Higher Education and Elementary and Secondary Education looked at whether the state could devise an early college strategy. They commissioned a study , done by Parthenon-EY Education Practice, to look at the potential for the development of Early College in Massachusetts The report confirmed that Early College is a promising model that narrows educational opportunity gaps, and that existing programs would provide a powerful base from which to build a broader statewide Early College initiative. Following these findings in January 2017, the boards of Elementary and Secondary Education and Higher Education jointly launched an initiative intended to support the expansion of Early College and establish an Early College Designation. The boards also created an Early College Joint Committee (ECJC), charged with developing the Early College Designation Process for the Commonwealth.
Early College Data Story
MA Early College Program Data Dashboard (2026)
Original Designation Criteria Document (2017)
Early College Designees — September 2026
School Meals for Early College Learners
Early College Readiness Checklist
P2C, in partnership with the Office of Early College, has created a resource site to support the Early College community of practice.
If you are seeking additional information on Early College, please contact the Executive Director of Early College at Phylitia.Jamerson@mass.gov .
Please check this page regularly for updates.
Last Updated: September 1, 2026