The 2025–2026 academic year has been a milestone year for UMass Early College. The Early College programs, located in the Department of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Equity, give students an opportunity to take college courses during the high school day at no cost to students or families. More than 1,600 students at 24 Massachusetts high schools earned UMass credit through all four of our undergraduate campuses. Students explored academic pathways, made connections to career, and built confidence in their ability to succeed in higher education.
The year concluded on a high note at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Student Success Summit on May 14, 2026 in Marlborough, where several UMass Early College students were recognized for earning 12 or more college credits while still in high school. Students were honored by the Commissioners of Elementary and Secondary Education and Higher Education for their outstanding achievement and commitment to academic excellence.
This recognition reflects the dedication of our campus partners, school district collaborators, faculty, and staff who work every day to expand access to college opportunities for Massachusetts students. As UMass Early College continues to grow, we remain committed to strengthening partnerships that expand college opportunities and celebrate the talent, hard work, and determination students bring to every course, credit, and milestone they achieve.
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