Freshman Resource Page

Framingham State University & Massbay Community College

Early College Program

Program Description: Early College Programs are designed to blend elements of high school and college to provide students with the opportunity to experience and complete college level academic coursework on a clearly articulated pathway and simultaneously gain exposure to a variety of career opportunities. Early College is an opportunity being provided by MetroWest Scholars Early Start for students to explore careers in STEM, Business, Sociology, Criminology and Education. As part of the program students are provided with supplies, tutoring, summer programs, social and emotional sessions at no cost. Tutoring is provided in English and in Spanish. Students are required to attend a monthly workshop during Hawk Block. Courses can be provided on or offsite. Students graduate with a minimum of 12 college credits (roughly one semester worth of college credits).

If students enroll in Early College during 8th grade, they will have access to a summer enrichment program that provides academic and emotional support to students as well as advising opportunities throughout their postsecondary experience.

Criteria for Recommendation:

Recruitment begins in 8th grade
Students can enroll up until their Junior Year
There is no minimum GPA requirement or required test scores

Details about Courses:

Students are not required to take these courses but are encouraged to.*
The Early College courses follow the college semester structure and as such, will be paired to provide students with a full schedule. For the 2022-2023 year, the pairs will be as follows:

Effective Speaking and Cultural Anthropology

Sociology and Latin American Art

Early College Courses Available at WHS During the 2022-2023 School Year*

Interested in applying?

Please contact Ms. Vallejos, Career and College Readiness Coordinator kaitlynvallejos@walthampublicschools.org

Other College Exploration Opportunities in the Community

Brandeis University- Academic Immersion Program

Program Description: The Academic Immersion program is a 10-week program through Brandeis University, for rising freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors in the 2021-2022 school year. Sessions will begin in late July. Students have the opportunity to enroll in one of the following courses at no cost:

· Computer Science for Social Justice

· Global Health and Society

· Jewish Learning and Community

· Race, Inequality and Social Justice

The courses are not credit bearing due to the limited course hours that the university requires to award credit, but it ends in a capstone which could be used for college applications. Students will spend 2-3 hours per week doing online work for the program, both synchronous and asynchronous. One of the hours will be used for a live webinar. There will be live office hours with a teaching assistant from Brandeis University to answer any questions students may have or assist students with their capstone project.

Process of recommendation: Students are nominated by a WHS staff (teachers/ Guidance Counselors), please fill out the nomination form. Once the nomination is reviewed the student will receive an email with the Academic Immersion Program application. The application is due by January 15, 2022.

Lasell University- Pathways to Teacher Diversity Program

Program Description: Pathways to Teacher Diversity Program through Lasell University is designed for students who have an interest in becoming teachers. The program has created a mentoring curriculum to help students learn about the college life, process of college applications and overall what college readiness may look like. The program’s goal is to support students on career readiness and to decrease teacher-student diversity gaps in Massachusetts. Lasell is currently providing mentorship to students who are interested in one of the following career paths: Education, Psychology, Fashion, Graphic Design, Communication & Marketing, and Health Professions.

MassBay Community College-STEM Stories: Start Here. Go Anywhere

MassBay's STEM Division is offering STEM Stories: Start Here. Go Anywhere. This is an opportunity open to meet MassBay STEM faculty, staff, students, graduates and industry professionals to learn about innovative STEM programs at MassBay, resources and support for MassBay STEM students and explore exciting career options in the STEM fields.

High school students, teachers, administrators, adult learners and community partners are invited to attend one of the virtual STEM Division information Sessions which will be held monthly throughout the Spring semester beginning in February. Dates, times and registration links are listed below.

Session 1: Tuesday, February 1, | 5:00 PM EST. Pre-Registration Required

Session 2: Wednesday, March 9th | 9:00 AM EST. Pre-Registration Required

Session 3: Thursday, April 7th | 5:00 PM EST. Pre-Registration Required

Session 4: Friday, May 6th | 12:00 PM EST. Pre-Registration Required

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