State Announces Early College Expansion During Event at Worcester Technical High School
By Jerry Filmore
Worcester Public Schools says student participation in Early College Worcester has increased 90% in three years
WORCESTER, Mass. — Massachusetts Education Secretary Stephen Zrike announced the largest expansion of Early College partnerships in state history during a roundtable event with students at Worcester Technical High School on Wednesday, June 3.
The announcement included the approval of 29 new Early College partnerships across Massachusetts, adding 1,629 additional seats statewide this coming fall. The expansion follows a vote by the Early College Joint Committee of the Boards of Higher Education and Elementary and Secondary Education.
Worcester Public Schools is one of the largest adopters of Early College partnerships in Massachusetts. According to WPS, student participation in the program has grown from 714 students in 2023 to 1,362 students in 2026.
“The Worcester Public Schools is proud to be a district with one of the largest Early College participation rates in the state, increasing from 714 students in 2023 to 1,362 students in 2026,” said Superintendent Brian E. Allen. “Early College Worcester reflects everything we believe about what education should do for our students — open doors, build confidence, and create real pathways to opportunity.”
Early College Worcester is a partnership between Worcester Public Schools, Quinsigamond Community College and Worcester State University. The program began serving WPS students in 2018 and allows high school students to earn free college credits before graduation.
Students from all seven WPS high schools participate in Early College Worcester. This year, 100 WPS seniors are graduating with 12 or more college credits, meaning they will enter college with about a full semester already completed.
Zrike said Early College programs help make higher education more accessible for students and families.
“Every student should have access to opportunities that prepare them for success after high school, regardless of their income or where they live,” Zrike said. “Early College is helping students earn college credits, save money, explore careers and build confidence for their future.”
Worcester’s program was highlighted as an example of what can happen when public schools, community colleges and universities work together.
“Early College Worcester has long served as a model for what is possible when school districts, community colleges, and universities work together in service of students,” said Dan St. Louis, Director of the WPS Early College Program. “We are proud of what this community has built — and excited for what comes next.”
The Healey administration has pointed to Early College as an investment that is showing results. According to data shared by the administration, 66% of Early College graduates immediately enroll in higher education after high school, with most enrolling at a public college or university in Massachusetts. The state also reported that 87% of former Early College students stay enrolled through a second term, and 82% return for a second year.
For Worcester families, the program offers students a chance to reduce college costs, build confidence and get a head start while still having support from their high school.
WPS students interested in Early College Worcester should speak with their guidance counselor or contact Dan St. Louis, Director of Early College and Advanced Placement Courses for Worcester Public Schools.
Why This Matters
College costs remain a major concern for many families. Programs like Early College Worcester can help students earn credits before they graduate high school, lowering future expenses while helping students see themselves as college-ready.
For Worcester Public Schools, the growth of the program also shows how local partnerships can create more pathways for students after graduation, whether they plan to attend college, enter the workforce or explore career training opportunities.
🔎 W.U.W. Verification Box
The magnifying glass represents looking closer, asking better questions, checking details, and helping residents understand local stories, resources, decisions and opportunities.
What we verified:
This article is based on a June 3, 2026 press release from Worcester Public Schools.
Key details checked:
Worcester Public Schools reported that Early College participation increased from 714 students in 2023 to 1,362 students in 2026. The state announced 29 new Early College partnerships and 1,629 additional seats statewide. WPS also reported that 100 seniors are graduating this year with 12 or more college credits.
Photo credit:
Photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education / Worcester Public Schools.
Community impact:
Early College Worcester gives WPS students access to free college credits while still in high school, helping reduce college costs and build stronger pathways after graduation.
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