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 20 high school students, per year, 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?
You are if you:
- Reside in Massachusetts
- Will be entering grade 11 by the start of the fall semester
- Have an overall unweighted GPA of 2.7 or higher (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
- Are recommended by your current high school or homeschool
- Willing to enroll in classes during all available MWCC semesters (fall, spring, summer)
- Have reliable transportation to campus
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. 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 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.
Pathways Information Sessions
Students interested in the Pathways Early College program will need to attend an information session, either in person or virtual, with a parent/guardian. 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. Application process includes: attendance at an information session, completion of the online application, and an in-person interview.
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.
Dates and links for information sessions will be posted in December or early in the new year.
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.