WORCESTER, MA – June 3, 2026 – The Early College Southbridge partnership between Quinsigamond Community College and Southbridge Public Schools has experienced significant growth and student achievement after its second year of implementation. Students in Early College programs take free college-level courses and earn credits while in high school. Students also explore career paths, develop soft skills and gain access to college resources such as tutoring.
Launched in 2024 with 52 students, Early College Southbridge expanded to 84 students in 2025. This year, over 50 seniors will have earned credit for at least one college class, including several students who will graduate with over 12 college credits.
“I’m so proud of our students. I’ve seen them become very engaged and motivated,” said Kathleen Cadarette, director of Early College and Community Partnerships for Southbridge Public Schools. “This is a pillar of moving our district forward and showing investment in our students.”
As Early College Southbridge enters its third year, the program will expand its offerings from two to five courses, which include career-aligned curriculum in health care and management.
“The strength of our partnership is vital to the success of the program. QCC has collaborated with Southbridge for many years, including its current satellite location at the high school,” said Veronica Guay, executive director of High School Dual Enrollment Programs and Partnerships for QCC. “Building the bridge between K-12 and higher education requires strong systems and communication. Southbridge High School made a tremendous impact by adapting their schedule and processes to make this program work.”
In addition to coursework, the program includes hands-on career exploration opportunities. Students are introduced to fields such as health care, manufacturing and information technology through site visits, job fairs and partnerships with local organizations and regional businesses.
Superintendent Bill Metzger emphasized the importance of access and local opportunity, especially for the Southbridge Public Schools, where close to 90 percent of students are historically underrepresented in higher education.
“For our students, transportation and access can be barriers, so it’s critical that QCC is right here and fits so well with our community,” Metzger said. “Early College is helping us establish that there is a lot of value to staying enrolled at Southbridge High School.”
Metzger also noted that the teachers from SHS are gaining valuable experience as they become trained for Early College instruction. Professional development also takes place across institutions so instructors can connect and collaborate.
Early College Southbridge enables students to take college courses at no cost through funding from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Credits earned are fully transferable through the MassTransfer program, allowing students to apply them toward certificates and degrees across the state’s public higher education system. QCC is also part of Early College programs in Worcester and Marlborough.
“Early College is another initiative for students that Massachusetts is going to lead the way on and become an exemplar for the nation,” Metzger added.