Mansfield High School Awarded State Grant to Develop Early College Programming in Partnership with Quincy College

MANSFIELD — Superintendent Dr. Michelle McKeon and Principal Russ Booth are pleased to announce that Mansfield High School is developing Early College programming in partnership with Quincy College through a newly awarded state grant. Mansfield High School has been awarded the Early College Planning Grant for $36,500 from the Healey-Driscoll Administration.

The funding will help Mansfield High School provide its students with access to college-level courses through Quincy College at no cost to them or their families, allowing them to simultaneously earn a high school diploma, college credits and even an associate’s degree.

The grant funds will be used by Mansfield Public Schools to develop state-designated Early College programs that reimagine the high school experience so that all students are engaged and prepared for post-secondary success. The Massachusetts Early College Designation provides a framework to strengthen the connection between high school and college, facilitating access, preparation and success in higher education.

The state designation also prioritizes students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education, providing resources to program partners as part of an effective strategy for closing equity gaps in college access and completion.

The grant supports both Mansfield Public Schools and Quincy College in designing and planning Early College programs guided by five key principles:

1. Equitable Access — Ensuring all students, particularly those underrepresented in higher education, can participate.
2. Guided Academic Pathways — Aligning coursework with both high school graduation and college degree requirements.
3. Enhanced Student Support — Providing advising and tutoring to help students succeed in college-level courses.
4. Connection to Career — Linking academic experiences with future career opportunities.
5. Effective Partnerships — Building strong collaboration between schools and colleges to ensure program success.

The planning process at Mansfield High School will include developing strategies to build thoughtful course pathways aligned with MassTransfer and graduation requirements while integrating college coursework into students’ school day.

Principal Booth and Superintendent Dr. McKeon expressed their enthusiasm for the new Early College programming in collaboration with Quincy College. They thanked the Healey-Driscoll Administration for the grant funding to help make this possible.

“This grant represents an exciting opportunity for Mansfield High School to expand the ways we challenge and support our students,” Principal Booth said. “Partnering with Quincy College allows us to help students explore their academic interests and career goals earlier, while building the skills and confidence they need to thrive beyond high school. We are committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has access to meaningful pathways that lead to college, career, and lifelong achievement.”

“We are thankful for the commitment of the Healey-Driscoll Administration to support Early College programs that give high school students the chance to take college classes and earn college credit at no cost to them or their families,” Superintendent Dr. McKeon said. “I am especially proud of our educators and administrators for their vision and dedication to expanding opportunities for all Mansfield students. This program will help open doors to higher education, build confidence, and prepare our students for lifelong success.”

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