Senate President Spilka Applauds the Expansion of Grants to Early College Programs
(BOSTON — 1/27/2026) Today, Massachusetts Senate President Karen E. Spilka applauded the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s expansion of grants sent to early college programs around the state.
The Governor awarded $8.2 million in designated Early College grants with the potential to support an additional 44 high school and institutes of higher education partnerships, including a $30,000 grant to Framingham State University.
Senate President Spilka led the Legislature to include funding for the grants as part of the Fiscal year 2026 budget.
“Early college programs are a powerful springboard for helping students get to college faster and for less money,” said Senate President Spilka.
“These new investments will directly benefit MetroWest students at Framingham State University and many others across the entire state.
I applaud the Governor for prioritizing these initiatives and look forward to seeing their positive impact on lives across Massachusetts.”
Data shows that 66 percent of Early College graduates immediately enroll in higher education after high school, with the majority enrolling at a public college or university in Massachusetts.
Once enrolled in higher education, former Early College students have a high level of retention, with 87 per cent staying in college through a second term and 82 perncent returning to college for a second year.
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