QCC designated as Early College site for Southbridge Public Schools

WORCESTER, MA – April 18, 2024 – Quinsigamond Community College was recently given designation as an Early College site for Southbridge Public Schools by the Joint Committee of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and Board of Higher Education. The program will start in the fall of 2024 and include approximately 100 juniors and seniors from Southbridge High School.

“This is an important designation that will have positive, far-reaching implications for Southbridge High School students and the Southbridge community as a whole,” said QCC President Dr. Luis G. Pedraja. “Early College offers students an attainable pathway to higher education.”

Through funding from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, there is no cost for students in the Early College program. The college-level credits students earn in the program are part of the MassTransfer program, which guarantees students can earn transferrable credits toward a certificate, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree at a Massachusetts community college or state university.

“The whole idea is to give opportunity to students who may not have thought that college could be something in their life. Early College prepares them to be successful in college and the workplace while saving them time and money,” said Christina Hebert, QCC’s director of Educational Partnership and Early College Initiatives.

Quinsigamond Community College has partnered with Southbridge High School for many years including its current satellite location at the high school and previous English for Speakers of Other Languages and General Education Development programs. Along with Worcester State University, QCC is also part of Early College Worcester, which includes all seven Worcester public high schools. QCC is also a designated Early College site for Marlborough High School. 

Southbridge High School is adapting its course schedule for junior and senior-level students, which will allow Early College students to take QCC courses twice a week, while also receiving support programming three days a week. Topics such as career readiness, growth mindset and learning strategies will be covered. Early College students will also be able to access QCC’s support services such as tutoring and library services.