The purpose of this competitive grant is to provide planning resources for Early College applicants to the Massachusetts Early College Designation:
Early College provides a framework and criteria to rethink high school, college, and the pathway through both, facilitating college access and success. The MA Early College Designation intentionally prioritizes programs for underrepresented students in higher education as an effective strategy for addressing equity gaps in postsecondary education. These resources are intended to support both the secondary school partner and institution of higher education (IHE) partner in the planning and design of an Early College program designed to align with the requirements of the MA Early College Designation.
Priorities for this grant include, but are not limited to:
Creating and implementing strategies to prioritize and intentionally serve students traditionally underrepresented in higher education, including those who are the first in their family to go to college, students of color, English language learners, students with disabilities, and low-income students.
Creating thoughtful academic pathways aligned with MassTransfer courses that also meet Mass Core and high school graduation requirements
Creating a widespread and supportive college-going culture, particularly among student populations underrepresented in higher education.
Creating redesigned schedules that allow program participants to onboard to college coursework, pursue college coursework, and access academic support for their coursework during their school day.
Building out academic and career advising and activities to foster participation in postsecondary pursuits.
Building out career activities which allow students to relate college coursework to potential careers.
Supporting professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to ensure equitable access in programs and develop strong Early College programming.
Priority will be given to funding K–12 institutions applying for their first Early College Designation for SY25.
Priority will be given to districts and schools where the majority of the school population represents underrepresented in higher education.
Current Early College Full School Impact, Early College Expansion, and Early College Incubator Grantees are excluded from eligibility.
Option B — Pre-Planning for SY26 Designation of an Early College Program:These funds are available for Early College program leaders seeking to develop an Early College program and submit an Application for Designation in Fall 2024. This funding opportunity will provide funds to support both the K–12 and IHE partner in the planning and development of an Early College program in alignment with the Designation Criteria set forth by the Commonwealth.
For more information about the components of the Application, please review the guidance in the Designation Companion document found on the MA Early College page of the DESE website. In addition, P2C (formerly NS4Ed), in partnership with the MA Early College staff, has created a resource site to support the Early College community of practice. Potential Early College partnerships planning an Early College program are eligible for approximately up to $50,000.
Note: Pre-planning applicants cannot apply for both options B and C.
Option C Pre-Planning for SY26 Full School Model Early College Designation:This option is available to fund a more intensive model of Early College (formerly known as "Full School Impact"). These programs are expected to align with the MA Designation Criteria but will extend more opportunities to larger populations of underrepresented students and build pathways for students to significantly more credits than a traditional Early College program. A Full School ("wall to wall") Early College program will serve either the full high school population or a minimum of 400 students and provide pathways for students to earn up to 30 college credits.
There are two levels of funding available under this Option:
C.1) Early College partnerships comprised of a K–12 partner (who currently does not have a Designated Early College program) and a MA Institution of Higher Education (IHE) partner who are seeking to develop a Full School program are eligible for approximately up to $125,000.
or
C.2) Early College partnerships comprised of a K–12 district and MA Institution of Higher Education who are seeking to create a Full School program on the campus of an IHE in order to fully immerse underrepresented students in a college environment. This design will require working closely with both DESE and DHE to establish the guidelines and requirements for students Partnerships are eligible for approximately up to $250,000.
State Line Item 7009-6600
A total of approximately $2,000,000 is available through this FY24 grant. Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change.
This RFP is the governing document for these grant funds.
If more funding becomes available for allocations, it will be distributed under the same guidelines that appear in this RFP document.
Option C— Pre-Planning for SY26 Full School Model Early College DesignationThere are two levels of funding being offered under this Option:
C.1) Potential Early College partnerships who do not currently have a Designated program but are seeking to develop a Full School Early College program are eligible for approximately up to $125,000.
C.2) Potential programs that are seeking to create a Full School program on the campus of an IHE are eligible for approximately up to $250,000.
Either the K–12 institution or institution of higher education (IHE) partner can serve as the fiscal sponsor. Applicants must have an LEA code to apply. However, please note funding is dispersed through EdGrants and an LEA is required to access funding through EdGrants.
Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change. If more funding becomes available, it will be distributed under the same guidelines that appear in this RFP document.
This grant cannot be applied toward capital expenses or MTRS.
Upon Approval – 06/30/2024FY25 Summer 7/1/2024 – 8/31/2024
The Office of Early College
Cashay Grant-Woods
Option B & C: Planning Grants Date Due: Friday, January 12, 2024*
Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern on the date due via email to Cashay Grant-Woods .
*All responses must be received by the due date listed above. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. Responses not received on time will not be reviewed. Applicants applying after the due date may be notified their application was received late and will not be reviewed. Applications must be submitted as directed in the Submissions Instructions below. Failure to do so may result in disqualification. If you need assistance with submitting your application, please reach out to the contact person listed on this funding opportunity.
Part III — Responses
Crosswalk (only required for IHEs)
Submit all required grant materials via email to Cashay Grant-Woods .
Awarded Recipients: Upon award, recipients will be required to enter the approved budget (part II) and Part I in EdGrants. Once selected, recipients will be contacted with further instructions on the process.
Last Updated: December 28, 2023
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