Framingham State receives $600K for early college program

Photo | Courtesy of Google Framingham State University

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By Sloane M. Perron

Framingham State University and MassBay Community College, an institution with locations in Framingham, Ashland, and Wellesley, received $600,000 to expand their educational programs.

The funds enable the two colleges to expand their MetroWest Scholars Early Start Program within the Waltham public school system.

The Early Start Program aims to reach low-income and underrepresented students and families starting in 8th grade, by exposing them to in-demand professional fields and career pathways, including business, sociology/criminology, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), and education, according to a Tuesday announcement from the schools.

Students in the program are exposed to college level courses and earn real credit toward their college degree prior to graduating from high school.

After early success with the program in Framingham and Milford public schools, the program is now expanding into Waltham Public Schools.

Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-Framingham) helped secure the funding needed to expand the program’s reach and offer more resources to public school students in the MetroWest area.

"Early College programs are one of the best tools we have for improving outcomes and college going rates for underserved students and families," said Framingham State President Javier Cevallos, in a written announcement.