Early College Planning Grant

Funder: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Early College Planning Grant aims to provide essential planning resources for applicants seeking Massachusetts Early College Designation. This grant prioritizes underrepresented students and supports partnerships between K-12 schools and higher education institutions. Eligible programs can apply for funding to develop infrastructure that fosters college access and success, with funding totals reaching approximately $1,105,000 for the fiscal year.

NOTE:
To be eligible for Option B, programs must complete a Pre-planning survey to apply, indicating their plan to apply for Designation in summer 2026, with the goal of launching a Designated Early College program in fall 2027.
Purpose
The purpose of this targeted grant is to provide planning resources for Early College applicants who would like to obtain a 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 underrepresented students in higher education as an effective strategy for addressing equity gaps in postsecondary education. These resources are intended to support both the K–12 secondary school partner and the institution of higher education (IHE) partner in their planning and design of an Early College program.
Priorities
Priorities for this grant include, but are not limited to:
Option A — 461A: Planning for Program Designation:This funding opportunity supports programs seeking their first Early College Designation in partnership with a K-12 secondary school partner and the institution of higher education (IHE) partner (the IHE may have existing Early College partnerships). Eligible applicants are those who have submitted an Intent to Apply for Designation in summer 2025, intending to launch a Designated Early College Program in fall 2026. These programs have committed to planning in alignment with the Massachusetts Designation Criteria and have identified gaps in college enrollment among the student populations they serve. This option provides approximately up to $25,000 in funding to support infrastructure development.Option B — 461B: Pre-Planning for Program Designation:This funding opportunity is available for potential partnerships seeking their first Early College Designation. Eligible programs must complete a Pre-planning survey to apply, indicating their plan to apply for Designation in summer 2026, intending to launch a Designated Early College program in fall 2027. These programs are expected to align their planning efforts with the Massachusetts Designation Criteria and have identified gaps in college enrollment among the student populations they serve. This option provides approximately up to $25,000 to support early-stage infrastructure planning.
Funding
Approximately a total of $1,105,000 is available through this FY26 grant. Funding Priority given to Option A for applicants applying for Designation for Fall 2026. Option B will be funded as funding allows.
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.

Ineligibility

This grant cannot be applied towards capital expenses or MTRS.