Research has shown that earning a college degree is the single most predictive factor for improving lifetime earnings, particularly for low-income Americans. At the CPC, college and career planning is integral to our mission. In 2021, 60% of high school graduates enrolled in college immediately after graduating high school. However, this was true for only 36% of Latin/x and 42% of low-income students. The good news is that early opportunities to earn college credits (such as Early College and dual enrollment) are successful equity strategies for improving college-going rates for all students, and particularly for those historically marginalized. Compared to the 60.4% overall college going rate for 2021 high school graduates, 66% of Early College graduates immediately enroll in college.
Nataly Fuentes
"My name is Nataly Fuentes and I am a current student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I am majoring in Public Policy with a minor in Spanish. I am also in the process of completing a Criminology and Criminal Justice System Certificate. I am hoping to create a change in society and bring justice."
Waltham High School, Class of 2024
UMass Amherst, Class of 2028
Daniel Abu
“I am a Biology major in the Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Looking back on my path, the Early College Program was pivotal in getting me where I am today. Through early exposure to college-level material, the program not only prepared me academically but also played a pivotal role in building my confidence, personality, and sense of encouragement.“
Framingham High School, Class of 2024
UMass Amherst, Class of 2028
Melanie Cerin Aldana
“After my Early College experience I enrolled directly into MassBay Community College. There, I was able to skip my general education requirements and get more involved in my Biotechnology degree. At MassBay I became more involved in all the clubs and make amazing connections. I currently work in a few places by my highlights are working for Massachusetts Alliance for Early College, as part of a fellowship helping to advocate for Early College students in Massachusetts. And, I work as a student assistant for the CPWD (Corporate Partnership & Workforce Development) and work closely with the CNA program and the ELL program. Overall, I’ve been very active in the community and been all over the place but, I’ve been very grateful of how many opportunities Early College gave me!”
Framingham High School, Class of 2024
MassBay Community College, Class of 2026
Dayana Alvarado Perez
“My name is Dayana Alvarado Perez and I graduated from Framingham High School in 2024. During my high school experience, I participated in the MetroWest Early Scholars program. I obtained around 40 credits and currently am a sophomore at UMass Boston as a biology major. With this opportunity, I was able to go straight into my biology elective classes. This result was very beneficial, as my goal is to attend medical school as soon as possible. The transition to attending college lectures was also smoother because of my participation in dual enrollment classes.”
Framingham High School, Class of 2024
UMass Boston, Class of 2027