FY2027: Early College Planning Grant
Forecasted
FY2027: Early College Planning Grant supports school and college partners in planning Early College pathways to improve equitable college access and postsecondary success.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Commitment form) | August 2027 (Application)
Funding Amounts: Approximately up to $25,000 per partnership; approximately $700,000 available under FY2027 guidelines
Summary: Supports first-time Early College partnerships in designing pathways that improve equitable college access and postsecondary success.
Key Information: Applicants must partner a K–12 secondary school with an institution of higher education and seek their first Early College Designation.
Description
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Early College administers this targeted planning grant, Fund Code 0461. It supports secondary school and higher education partners in redesigning the high school and college experiences and connecting them through an Early College pathway. Programs align with statewide Guiding Principles and Designation Criteria so students engage in college coursework and prepare for postsecondary success.
The program intentionally prioritizes students underrepresented in higher education and addresses equity gaps in college access and completion. Supported work includes infrastructure development, staff planning, curriculum alignment, professional development, stakeholder engagement, pathway development, and partnership collaboration. Consultant assistance and limited pilot Early College experiences for high school seniors are also supported.
