Northern Essex Community College and UMass Lowell Early College programs, enabling high school students to earn college credit, Tuesday were formally awarded state grants to continue operating, add capacity and plan expansions.
All 55 existing Early College programs were awarded $50,000 to $125,000 to continue their work. These include such partnerships as Haverhill High School and Northern Essex Community College; Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School and Northern Essex Community College; Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School and North Shore Community College; and Lawrence High School with Merrimack College and Northern Essex Community College.
“Early College programs are great for our students and great for our economy. They allow students to get college credit while they’re still in high school at no cost, making it more affordable for them to get their degree and preparing them to succeed in their careers,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “We’re also strengthening our workforce by helping students graduate with the skills that are in demand by employers today.”…