Subscribe to MWCC News Clinton High School, Fitchburg State University, and Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) are pleased to announce a new partnership to expand Early College opportunities for high school students in the region. This initiative is part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s statewide effort to create 1,400 new Early College seats across Massachusetts, providing high school students with greater access to college-level courses and career readiness programs.
As part of this collaboration, students at Clinton High School will have the opportunity to enroll in dual enrollment courses offered by both Fitchburg State University and Mount Wachusett Community College. This partnership enables students to earn valuable college credits while completing their high school education, significantly reducing the cost and time required to obtain a college degree. In addition, students will receive significant support and guidance in how to navigate the college experience, how to prepare for college-level work and delve into career exploration.
Participating seniors will also have the opportunity to take courses at the MWCC Leominster campus, as early as this fall.
“This partnership is built on the successful framework we have established for Early College in the region, and programming run as a pilot with CHS students over the past two years,” stated Fagan Forhan, Dean of K-12 Partnerships and Civic Engagement for MWCC. “Early College is truly making a difference for students and families in our region, both with regard to significant cost savings and learning the skills and expectations at a college level. We are excited to be able to collaboratively provide this opportunity to Clinton High School students and look forward to the growth of this partnership as the work continues to evolve.”
“Clinton High School has been working on developing an Early College program for years. We are thankful for our partners, Fitchburg State and Mount Wachusett, and appreciative that the state has recognized the importance and effectiveness of this program through this designation,” stated Scott Czermak, Principal of Clinton High School.
MWCC President James Vander Hooven added, “Early College programs are a key component of providing equitable access to higher education. This partnership allows us to reach more students in the region and provide them with the tools and support they need to succeed in their academic and career pursuits.”
“We are deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for investing in Early College opportunities that open doors for students at Clinton High School,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “We know Early College works—and at Fitchburg State, we’re proud to stand alongside our K–12 partners to expand access, increase opportunity, and help students see college as part of their future.”
This expanded partnership supports the goals of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, which aims to increase access to Early College programs, helping students earn college credits while still in high school and improving their long-term academic and career outcomes.