FY2027: Early College Planning Grant
Forecasted
FY2027: Early College Planning Grant supports school–college partnerships in planning equitable coursework pathways to prepare students, especially those underrepresented in higher education, for college success.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Approximately up to $25,000 per partnership; approximately $700,000 available under FY2027 guidelines
Summary: Supports first-time Early College partnerships in planning equitable pathways connecting high school and college coursework.
Key Information: FY2027 eligibility requires an April 2026 Commitment to Early College Planning Form and a planned fall 2027 designated-program launch.
Description
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Early College administers this targeted grant to support first-time Early College partnerships between K–12 secondary schools and institutions of higher education. It funds planning and design aligned with the Massachusetts Early College Guiding Principles and Designation Criteria, helping students engage in college coursework and prepare for postsecondary success upon high school graduation.
The program prioritizes students underrepresented in higher education and addresses equity gaps in college access and success. Supported work includes curriculum alignment, pathway development, structured planning meetings, stakeholder engagement, staff development, and consultant assistance. A limited senior-year pilot may also support college credits and student transportation. The eligibility and funding terms below describe the published FY2027 guidelines.
