Early College

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.

A Brief History of MA Early College

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

• Original Designation Criteria Document (2017)

• 2020 MA Early College Press Release

• List of Current MA Designated Early College programs.

• June 2022 MA Early College Fact Sheet

• Early College Promise (ECP) 5th Year Pilot Program (limited pilot)

• School Meals for Early College Learners

Early College Designation Process and Timeline — SY2025-2026

Designation Timeline:

• May 13, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM — Early College Designation information and orientation session
  • This first session is part one of a two-part introductory series is jointly presented by DESE and P2C.
  • Register for this two-part series: Part A Early College Designation Support Session
• May 20, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM — What is Required to Become a Designated Program?
  • Session overview: This session provides an in-depth overview of the application as it relates to the guiding principles and designation requirements (part two of the two-part series).
  • Register for this two-part series: Part A Early College Designation Support Session
• May 30, 2025 — Letter of Intent is due by 5:00 PM in Alchemer
• June 16, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM — District Superintendents' and IHE Presidents leadership meeting for programs Intending to apply for Designation.
  • No registration is required. Please join Zoom Meeting
• May – August 2025 — Support Sessions and office hours available for Designation applicants.
  • Please find more details and register for support sessions.
• September 19, 2025 — Part A applications due in Alchemer by 5:00 PM
• October 2025 — Announcement of applicants advancing to Part B
• November 2025 – January 2026 — Technical Assistance Sessions and office hours
  • Register and find more details at the link below:
    • MAECP Designation Timeline - MA Early College Community of Practice
• January 2026 — Part B is due in Alchemer by 5:00 PM
• March 2026 — Designation recommendations reviewed by the Early College Joint Committee

Early College Readiness Checklist

Additional Resource

NS4Ed, in partnership with the MA Early College staff, 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: May 7, 2025