FY2027: Transition to College
Funds Massachusetts colleges to deliver comprehensive, no-cost transition services that help adult learners enroll in, persist through, and complete postsecondary education.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Due Dates: May 29, 2026 (Questions deadline) | June 4, 2026 (Full proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Approx. $3.5M available; up to $140,000 for one cohort, $162,000–$175,000 for two cohorts, plus up to $50,000 for College Support Services (optional), project period through 6/30/2027.
Summary: Supports Massachusetts colleges in providing comprehensive, no-cost transition services to help adult learners enroll, persist, and complete postsecondary education.
Key Information: Proposals must be submitted via GEM$ by 3:00 PM Eastern on June 4, 2026; late applications will not be reviewed.
Description
This grant program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), provides funding to Massachusetts colleges to deliver comprehensive, no-cost services that help adult learners enroll in, persist through, and complete postsecondary education. The program aims to foster self-sufficiency among adult learners through academic instruction, intensive advising, integration into college life, and access to credit-bearing courses. Required components include partnerships with Community Adult Learning Centers (CALCs) or Correctional Institutions, cohort-based programming, and an emphasis on in-person or hybrid learning and on-campus experiences. Optional College Support Services are available to extend support for students transitioning to greater academic independence after their first year.
