Early College Programs Expand Access to Higher Ed

Affordable pathways to college credits and degrees are boosting opportunities for underserved students

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:20pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print depicting a stack of college textbooks in a vibrant neon color palette, conceptually representing how early college programs are making higher education more accessible.Early college programs are making higher education more accessible by embedding college-level coursework into the high school experience.Brockton Today

Early college high school programs in Massachusetts are providing students, particularly those from low-income and first-generation backgrounds, with the opportunity to earn college credits and even associate degrees while still in high school. These programs, which partner with local colleges and universities, are helping to make higher education more accessible and affordable.

Why it matters

Early college programs are a proven model for increasing college access and success, especially for students who may not have otherwise considered pursuing a college degree. By embedding college-level coursework into the high school curriculum and providing academic supports, these programs are setting up underserved students for postsecondary achievement.

The details

At New Heights Charter School in Brockton, Massachusetts, more than half of students graduate with an associate degree in addition to their high school diploma. The school partners with local colleges to offer college courses taught by college faculty, with New Heights teachers providing additional academic support. Similarly, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, allows students to take early college courses at nearby universities, with the goal of having students earn at least 18 college credits by graduation.

  • New Heights Charter School opened in 2016.
  • Massachusetts launched the statewide Early College Initiative in 2016.
  • In January 2027, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced a goal of increasing early college program participation tenfold over the next decade.

The players

Omari Walker

Cofounder and executive director of New Heights Charter School in Brockton, Massachusetts.

Michael O'Shea

Early College Program Manager at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Rachel Romano

Founder of Veritas Preparatory Charter School in Springfield, Massachusetts, which launched an early college program in 2022.

Sere Woghiren

A 2021 graduate of New Heights Charter School who went on to earn a bachelor's degree and is now pursuing a master's degree.

Massachusetts Early College Initiative

A statewide effort to expand college access pathways, particularly for first-generation students.

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What they’re saying

“We truly believe that all students can be prepared for and attend college.”

— Omari Walker, Cofounder and executive director, New Heights Charter School

“Once I began college classes at New Heights, that's when everything changed. Now I wasn't a high school student, I was a college student.”

— Sere Woghiren

“I hear students say that early college changed their orientation—their attitude—toward college.”

— Michael O'Shea, Early College Program Manager, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School

“We are so grateful to New Heights. At our inception, we were able to learn from all of their implementation woes, and so we avoided many obstacles and pitfalls by having their support.”

— Rachel Romano, Founder, Veritas Preparatory Charter School

What’s next

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has proposed allocating $15 million toward early college programs in her fiscal year 2027 budget, as part of a goal to increase the number of students participating in early college programs tenfold over the next decade.

The takeaway

Early college programs are proving to be a powerful model for expanding access to higher education, particularly for students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds. By embedding college-level coursework into the high school curriculum and providing academic supports, these programs are setting up underserved students for postsecondary success.