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, with the intent 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.
GEMs Application Availability:
- Option A, opens in GEMS (461A): Tuesday, September 30, 2025
- GEMS Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025
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 population they serve. This option is intended to support early-stage infrastructure planning.
GEMs Application Availability:
- Alchemer Survey: Friday, October 15, 2025 (extended from original date of October 3, 2025)
- Option B, opens in GEMS (461B): Tuesday, October 7, 2025
- GEMS Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025