FY2027: Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity METCO
Forecasted
FY2027: Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity METCO supports Boston and Springfield students through academic services, racial integration, and transportation to expand educational opportunities.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Draft FY2027 state total: $26,771,583; district allocations listed below; FY2027 projects run upon approval through June 30, 2027
Summary: METCO supports integrated schooling for Boston and Springfield students through academic services, racial integration initiatives, and transportation.
Key Information: Eligibility is limited to school districts currently participating in METCO; program expansion requires DESE approval.
Description
The state-funded Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). It expands educational opportunities for children from Boston and Springfield to attend public schools in neighboring communities, supporting learning in racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse settings. Its priorities are high achievement against state curriculum frameworks and cross-cultural understanding that enriches urban and suburban communities.
Fund Code 0317 supports academic and mental health services, regular-day and after-school tutoring and mentoring, opportunity-gap initiatives, and family and community engagement. It also supports hiring and professional development that advance racial integration and culturally and linguistically responsive school cultures, alongside transportation and supplemental services that measurably improve educational opportunities, achievement, and enrichment.
