As the state finalizes a 5-year strategic plan for Early College, the leaders of 18 organizations representing employers, social justice organizations, parents and teachers sent a letter to Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler voicing support for a bold expansion of the initiative and calling on the state to explicitly encourage Early College program models that deeply connect to careers. Deep career connections in Early College will make the programs more appealing to a wider range of students and accelerate student progress toward careers in leading sectors.

We were very pleased then when the Edward M. Kennedy Academy of Health Careers in Boston received the official state designation of its Early College program this week. A deep partnership with Mass General Brigham allows EMK to offer health career pathways in surgery, medical imaging, biotech/medical lab science, nursing, and emergency services, and to offer work-based learning, summer and after-school placements, and career counseling to every student. Graduates will have the opportunity to pursue higher education or graduate straight into a well-paying career within the Mass General Brigham system.

A total of 18 programs received state designation on Wednesday which will add 1,400 new seats and demonstrates a strong state commitment to scaling up this successful initiative.

Read the full letter to Secretary Tutwiler on career connections in Early College.