What is Pathways Early College Program?
Mount Wachusett Community College is pleased to offer an Early College opportunity to motivated high school students who would like to get a jump start on college. The goal of Pathways is to provide high school students with the opportunity to earn their high school diploma and an associate degree while completing their junior and senior year taking courses at MWCC. The primary goals of this initiative are:
- To address the needs of motivated students who would like to enroll in college courses prior to high school graduation.
- To boost enrollment and retention of diverse student populations.
- To graduate students with a high school diploma and an associate degree.
- To allow students the opportunity to fulfill their educational dreams.
Why should you choose Pathways Early College?
- You’re ready for the academic challenge and rigor of college courses.
- You want to earn an associate degree while completing high school.
- You’re prepared to integrate into the intellectual, social and academic environment of a college campus.
“I came to Pathways because I feel that it is a jump-start for getting prepared for the real world, it gives me skills that I will use for the rest of my life. Truly, the opportunity to get a college degree early is an honor and a privilege! If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it.”
What does Pathways Early College Cost?
- Nothing! It’s free!
Eligibility Requirements for Pathways Early College?
- Reside in Massachusetts
- Will be entering grade 11 by the start of the fall semester
- Strongly encouraged to have an unweighted, cumulative GPA of a 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale (will be reviewed on an individual basis)
- Have a B or better average in high school math and English
- Will have completed Algebra II by fall 2026 or have placed into MAT 162 College Algebra through Accuplacer
- Are recommended by your current high school or homeschool
Program Commitments
- Must enroll in classes during all available MWCC semesters (fall, spring, summer)
- Be aware that you may be scheduled for classes anytime during the following: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.– 4 p.m
- Must have reliable transportation to campus
Program Logistics
- Accepted Pathways students are required to school choice into Gardner Public Schools, unless they are an enrolled student in Fitchburg High School or Athol Royalston Regional High School.
- Students will have support from the high school for items such as MCAS testing, PSAT and SAT testing, as well as the opportunity to participate in sports (schedule pending), prom, and other school events.
- All Pathways students are considered Mount Wachusett Community College students and have access to MWCC services including counseling, advising, career services, fitness center, and leadership activities offered by Student Life.
- Students will have two options for a major only for the associate degree: Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Interdisciplinary Studies. The major will be determined with the Pathways Academic Counselor after discussions based on career and academic interests.
Pathways Application Process
STEP 1: Pathways Information Sessions
Students interested in the Pathways Early College program are required to attend an information session, either in person or virtually, with a parent/guardian. This is step one of the application process.
Dates for the information sessions will be posted in December or early in the new year. The application process will be clearly described during the information session.
If you have a disability and require accommodations to participate in the information session, please contact the office of Access & Transition at 978-630-9248.
STEP 2: Completion of the Online Application Process
Applications to Pathways is currently closed. It will be opened again in the future. Please call 978-630-9248 to be added to an inquiry list.
Components of the online application include: the application itself, a letter of recommendation from a high school guidance counselor or teacher, completion of two essays (prompts provided)
STEP 3: Submission of high school documentation as requested directly from the high school guidance counselor. Information will be provided on this after the application is submitted.
STEP 4: Completion of an In-Person Interview.
Chosen candidates will attend an in-person interview as the final stage of the application process.