Early College Program

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  • Applications for Fall 2024 at Lesley University are open! Deadline is April 1, 2024. 
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  • Applications for Fall 2024 at Franklin Cummings Tech are open! 
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  • NOTE: Applications are a two-step process! Students must request Early College during course selection and complete the application.
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
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.

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

Transferring Your Credits

Lesley University is committed to ensuring that your Early College credits transfer as much as possible to the college or university you attend after high school. Their Early College courses are designed with MassTransfer principles in mind, ensuring they are highly transferable and recognized across a wide array of colleges and universities in Massachusetts. Whether you're planning to continue your education at a private institution under the MA Guarantee or a public college within the MassTransfer framework, there is a commitment to honoring your credits.

Visit a helpful website called Transferology, which shows how courses you have taken or plan to take transfer to another college or university for credit.

Once you complete your Early College program, remember to request your official transcript to facilitate the smooth transfer of your credits to your new college or university. Find more information on how to request your transcript >>

Additionally, all credits earned through our Early College program will be fully accepted at Lesley University, should you choose to continue your academic journey there.


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]
Book an online advising session >>

Info Sessions
  • February 14 - during lunch in the CCRC
  • February 15 - during CRLS Curriculum Night
  • March 6 - during lunch in the CCRC
  • February 27 - 3-4PM in the CCRC
  • March 7 - 6-7PM via Zoom
  • March 14 - 6-8PM during Family/Caregiver Conferences
  • May 1 - Field Trip to Franklin Tech
  • By appointment: Schedule by email or text 857.327.2912
Register for Info Sessions >>
View Presentation Slides >>


Related Links

Contact Us

Michael O'Shea
Early College Program Manager
857.327.2912

Book an online advising session >>

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