Early College Program

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About the Early College Program

Early College programs are purposely designed to empower students traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Massachusetts Early College Designated Programs work to combine parts of high school and college to provide students with the opportunity to experience and complete college level academic coursework on a clearly defined pathway and at the same time gain exposure to a variety of career opportunities. Early college programs also shorten the time and cost of earning a college certificate while increasing the likelihood of completion.

Further your education by gaining college experience all while having the benefits of support from faculty, professors, and trained tutors. Not to mention...it's free!

 There are no prerequisites to apply, and the program's focus is on equitable access for students traditionally underserved by higher education including Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) students, students who are first in their family to attend college (first-generation) students on free and reduced lunch, and students with disabilities. The program is open to students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade.

Lesley University
The state designation for our successful Early College partnership with Lesley University has made us at CRLS very delighted. We are happy to welcome back more than 100 students for the 2022-23 academic year following the successful introduction of a pilot program with a small number of students in the 2021-22 school year. The program with Lesley University allows students enter academic and career pathways, including health sciences, art & design, and human services & social work. Pathways include college-level coursework on Lesley University's campus taught by college professors. Each pathway also has a career focus and has a key employer partner that allows you to build connections between college coursework and careers after college.
 
Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology
Early College at Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology – known as Franklin Cummings Tech – is committed to serving high school students by giving access to career readiness and tech fields. Early College exposes and prepares students for higher education, careers, and citizenship. Early College at Franklin Cummings Tech is delivered at no cost to the students. For more information visit the website or please contact [email protected]; you may also contact [email protected] for more information.

Additional university partnerships and course offerings under consideration. Check back soon for updates.  
  
Informational Videos



Sample Courses at Lesley University
Courses subject to change.

Essentials of Health
Introduction to Nutrition
Applied Nutrition
Language of Design  
Design Workshop  
Introduction to Interactivity
Introduction to Social Work
Prison Stories: Personal Experiences of Incarceration
Social Welfare Policy & Practice
More Info

Application – Fall 2023 & Spring 2024
Applications were due March 26, 2023. Students can express interest by selecting “Lesley Early College” when registering for their courses in the spring, speaking with their counselor, or contacting the Early College Program office. Applications are open once per year.

MichaelMeet the Early College Program Manager
Michael O’Shea is a proud product of Chicago Public Schools and is excited to lend his expertise in higher education administration to the success of all students in the Early College Program. Since joining the district in October 2020, he has helped grow the Early College partnership with Lesley University and identify additional higher education partners. He holds a Master’s in Higher Education and is a PhD Candidate in Higher Education.

Please do not hesitate to contact Michael and the Early College Program Office:
Phone: 857.327.2912
E-mail: [email protected]
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