BOSTON – The FY24 Early College Expansion Grant award winners have been announced by Jeffery Riley, Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), including $150,000 to Worcester Public Schools. The program aims to further the growth and development of established early college programs.
Worcester Public Schools provides a variety of early college education programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) classes, dual enrollment with local universities, and online courses. The primary goal of these programs in Worcester are to collaborate with students, families, high schools, college access programs, and community partners to offer meaningful college pathways that facilitate successful transitions to postsecondary education.
“Early college programs are an effective and affordable way to set up our students for greater success throughout their lives, whether they ultimately choose to pursue a degree or not,” said Senator Michael Moore.
“I’m thrilled that Commissioner Riley has selected Worcester Public Schools to receive a generous grant to continue their program expansion and support even more students.”
A total of eight public school systems have been selected for this federal grant, including those in Fall River, Framingham, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Marlborough, Salem, and Worcester. Eligibility for the grant was contingent on schools’ commitment to a multi-year plan to significantly expand their early college programs. Special consideration was given to schools and districts identified as chronically underperforming.
