Early College Program

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.
 

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Our Partner Colleges

Lesley University
We at CRLS were pleased to receive official state designation for our successful Early College partnership with Lesley University in 2022, following the successful introduction of a pilot program with a small number of students in the 2021-22 school year. 
 
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 ltavares@franklincumming.edu; you may also contact earlycollege@cpsd.us for more information.

Dual Enrollment at Bunker Hill and Harvard Extension School
The Early College Officer oversees partnerships with Lesley University and Franklin Cummings Tech. For information about Dual Enrollment English Language Arts classes at Bunker Hill, see page 3 of the CRLS course catalog. For more information about the Harvard Extension Program, visit Support & Enrichment Programs. Students may also see their guidance counselor for additional information about both programs.

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

Learn about the differences between Early College and Dual Credit Enrollment >>
 

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Meet 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 2021, he has helped grow the Early College partnership with Lesley University and identify additional higher education partners. He holds a PhD in Higher Education (University of Toronto), a Master’s in Higher Education (University of Pennsylvania), and a Bachelor's in Public Policy (Pomona College).

Please do not hesitate to contact Michael and the Early College Program Office:
857.327.2912 | moshea@cpsd.us
Email moshea@cpsd.us to book an online advising session >>