Two Early College State Grants Mean More Opportunities for Worcester’s High School Students

Quinsigamond Community College is working to expand the reach and accessibility of higher education through a myriad of ways that include early college. In 2018, QCC partnered with all seven Worcester Public Schools and Worcester State University to create the Early College Worcester (ECW) program. This program has been providing free college classes, college preparatory workshops, and wrap-around supports to high school students in the Worcester Public School system.

Late last month, ECW and the Worcester Public Schools were award recipients of a $150,000 Full School Impact Planning Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), to assist in developing a large scale, “full school,” immersive Early College model. This revolutionary educational model will enable high school students at Claremont Academy to graduate with a minimum of 30 college credits, while satisfying their MassCore/high school graduation requirements and gives them a head start when they begin college.

In addition, QCC and ECW were awarded a $75,000 Early College Expansion Planning Grant from DESE to assist in scaling up the current ECW program at all seven Worcester public high schools, and expand the early college programs to serve a minimum of 25% of each grade level by FY24.

“I want to congratulate the Worcester Public Schools and the Early College Worcester Program on receiving not one, but two grants. Early college programs prepare students for higher education, increase attendance rates, and even decrease the cost of a bachelor's or associate degree,” said Mayor Joseph M. Petty.  “This is an important tool in the toolbox as we look for more students to matriculate into higher education. Congratulations to Worcester State University and Quinsigamond Community College. I’m looking forward to seeing these grants in action in the years to come.”

QCC President Luis G. Pedraja, Ph.D., was quick to note the significance this type of program has on our communities.

“The Early College Worcester program has been providing WPS students college readiness opportunities such as college credit course offerings, support services, and career awareness. This program has already made college a reality for many Worcester students, particularly those historically under-privileged and under-served. This new innovative, immersive Early College model will now take the Early College Worcester program to the next level,” Dr. Pedraja said. “Expanding our existing Early College model enables more students to realize their dreams of a better life through higher education. This helps our students, their families, and our community.”

To learn more, visit QCC’s Early College Pathways.