Lesley University’s Early College partnership with the Cambridge Public Schools has received state approval for designation as a Massachusetts Early College Program.
Our program, which launched in January, provides students at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS) with opportunities to fulfill high school graduation requirements while also earning college credits transferable to any Massachusetts state college, university or community college. Lesley’s Early College program currently offers career-focused pathways in the health sciences, art and design, and human services and social work. In the future we hope to add pathways in environmental science, education and communications.
As part of the pilot program, about 40 CRLS sophomores, juniors and seniors are coming to campus twice a week for classes taught by Lesley faculty. The group also meets with the program advisors once a week, and students participate in a weekly supplemental instruction (SI) session with Lesley SI instructors.
“Our faculty report that they have been impressed with the group’s academic commitment and enthusiasm, and we look forward to welcoming more CRLS students next year as the program expands,” President Janet L. Steinmayer wrote in an April 11 message to the Lesley community.
Statewide, the Early College Initiative has proven effective in supporting first-generation college students to attend and succeed in postsecondary opportunities. The Early College initiative is one of several ways Lesley is creating new pathways and expanding access for students of all ages and backgrounds to benefit from the unique programs our university offers.
“This is an exciting step in the right direction for our school district and for CRLS,” said Cambridge Public Schools Superintendent Victoria L. Greer in a statement. “Our students deserve the best opportunities to be successful in school and in life. Our partnership with Lesley University lays the foundation for students to not just get to college but to get through college and begin closing the economic gap that exists in our community.”
Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui said the partnership is “off to a great start” and added, “I look forward to the program expanding for the next cohort, allowing more students to take advantage of this opportunity.”
President Steinmayer applauded the efforts of Associate Provost Jen Serowick and others in the Provost’s Office for facilitating the partnership with Cambridge Public Schools. She also credited:
- Faculty: Josh Baldwin, Tuyen Bui-Lally, Rosana Darang
- Advising team: Angela Mittiga, Guimard Saint Germain, Jennine Tambio
- Center for Academic Achievement: Randi Korn, Dan Newman, Anhar Mulla, Kim Johnson
- Lesley SI leaders: Alina Balseiro, Tyler Gomes
- Leadership/chairs: Amy Deines, Steve Shapiro, Heather Shaw, Dave Morimoto