HAVERHILL – Whittier Tech and Northern Essex Community College have once again been approved for an Early College Designation, which will allow Whitter students to earn college credits at no cost. Through the Massachusetts Early College Program, Whittier and Northern Essex first partnered in 2018 and have since continued building on the program’s success.
This school year, 70 students are enrolled in the program. The college may be able to accept more than 70 students in the 2021-2022 school year. Students can enroll at no cost in the designated early college courses and have the opportunity to earn up to 12 college credits during their high school career. “We truly value our partnership with Northern Essex Community College,” Superintendent Maureen Lynch said. “Our students are able to develop important skills that will serve them through life, and able to reduce the cost of a college degree.” The Early College program creates a natural pipeline for high school students to obtain a college degree. Students will learn skills that will help them succeed in college and life including time management, critical thinking and effective communication.
Early College is a significant priority of the state and Gov. Charlie Baker. In 2016, a state-sponsored study showed that an early college model narrowed educational opportunity gaps. Interested students are asked to reach out to Tia Gerber, Director of Community Partnerships at tgerber@whittiertech.org or 978-373-4101, ext. 327, with specific questions.
