Editor’s Note: Lana Viola is an NECC student and a Policy Fellow for the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College. 

If you had the opportunity to take college classes during high school and save thousands of dollars while learning valuable skills, would you take it? As someone who had this chance through Early College, it was a no-brainer for me. Early College is the opportunity for high school students to take college-level courses at no cost to themselves or their families, but unfortunately, not everyone in Massachusetts has access to these opportunities. Expanding access to Early College in Massachusetts will make college more affordable and accessible to all, particularly for students traditionally underrepresented in higher education, like those who are from low-income families, financially independent, or students of color. Providing access to Early College can alleviate financial stress for families and encourage higher education, leading to more professional opportunities. During my time at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, I was part of the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program where I fulfilled my high school requirements while learning how to draft different machined parts and structural buildings through software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks. I also obtained direct workforce experience on a co-op with Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. where I developed Underground Storage Tank (UST) plans for gas stations with a team of engineers. Only a handful of women, including myself, obtained a certificate for the completion of a three-year program in CAD/Drafting. Whittier’s unique learning style required me to balance both academics and vocational trade throughout my time there. During sophomore year, I became eligible to participate in Early College and take college courses that counted for both high school and college credit. I took advantage of this program and earned34 college credits through dual enrollment, AP credit, and Early College courses. Early College allowed me to explore my curiosity in engineering as a woman in STEM, jump-starting my career despite being underrepresented in a male-dominated field.

Thanks to the Early College program, I was able to concentrate more on my studies without worrying about the financial burden associated with college. At NECC, tuition costs $254 per credit, meaning I saved almost $8,700 by taking college courses in high school. 

Early College also provides students with essential skills to help them throughout their college years and beyond. The program emphasizes the importance of self-stability and the value of education. Through the program, I gained knowledge about college life, how to navigate different programs, and most importantly, how to advocate for myself. It also gave me a glimpse into college life before deciding whether to pursue higher education or go straight into the workforce. As an engineering major, I had to choose between remaining a CAD Drafter or taking a chance and becoming a successful engineer. However, because I was already considered a college student through the Early College program, I had access to all the resources that full-time college students have. I was able to utilize campus resources, meet with academic advisers, and take advantage of all the student support services, like the tutoring centers. While the only Early College pathway available at Whittier Tech was Liberal Arts, I advocated for myself to continue on the path of my choice. I met with my adviser at Northern Essex and signed up for classes that aligned with my engineering pathway, such as technical writing and required electives, still at no cost to me or my family. By helping me think independently and reach out when I needed help, the Early College program expanded my education and encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone.Through Early College, I gained valuable lessons and experience that have helped me pursue my education in civil engineering at NECC. I would not have come this far in my journey without the Early College program. After obtaining my associate degree, I plan on transferring to UMass Lowell to continue my education and obtain my Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Thanks to the program, my academic performance has significantly improved. It is imperative to expand Early College throughout Massachusetts to reach underprivileged students, as each and every student has the right to the resources they need to succeed.