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SPENCER, MA - Earlier today, the Early College Joint Committee formally voted to approve David Prouty High School and Worcester State University for the Early College Designation as a result of our efforts to redesign and transform the high school experience for the students of the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District. "David Prouty High School has worked diligently with key stakeholders over the years to redesign the high school experience for Southern Worcester County students and today earned Early College Designation with Worcester State University!" said Superintendent of Schools, Paul Haughey. "On behalf of all of us within the district, we are honored and thrilled to announce our participation in the transformative Early College initiative, a program championed by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to expand access to higher education across Massachusetts. This initiative brings 18 new Early College partnerships statewide, offering unparalleled opportunities for our students studying within the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District and the broader Southern Worcester County and Central Massachusetts region."

Unlocking Potential for David Prouty High School Students

Early College programs are a game-changer for our students. By enabling them to earn college credits at no cost while still in high school, this initiative removes significant financial and accessibility barriers to higher education. The newly approved partnerships will allow an additional 1,400 Massachusetts high school students to enroll in Early College programs, and David Prouty High School is proud to be part of this movement. By 2030, the goal is to provide Early College access to as many as 20,000 students across the state, with our region poised to make significant contributions to this milestone.

Expanding Educational Equity in Southern Worcester County and Central Massachusetts

Southern Worcester County and Central Massachusetts have long sought innovative solutions to bridge opportunity gaps for students from underserved communities. Early College programs align perfectly with our district mission to ensure every student is prepared for the college and career challenges of the future. For David Prouty High School families, this means students will gain confidence, college experience, and academic tools without the financial strain often associated with higher education.

Building a Pathway to Success

Through Early College, our students are not only earning credits but are also exploring college majors and career pathways early. This head start provides clarity on their aspirations and saves both time and money as they progress toward their degrees. These programs are particularly impactful for low-income students, significantly increasing their likelihood of persisting through college and successfully graduating.

Strengthening Our Communities

The expansion of Early College also has broader implications for the Southern Worcester County region. By accelerating the time to degree and enhancing college affordability, this initiative benefits not only students but also families, local communities, and the state economy. As Superintendent, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of these programs. They equip our students with the tools, confidence, and experience they need to thrive in higher education and the workforce, ensuring a brighter future for all.

Looking Ahead

With the support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are committed to making Early College the “new normal” for students in the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District, Southern Worcester County and Central Massachusetts. From David Prouty High School to the surrounding areas, we are eager to embrace this exceptional opportunity to reimagine education and create innovative pathways to success for our students. Together, we can ensure that higher education becomes accessible and equitable for every young person in our region.

For more information on Early College programs and how they are transforming education, please visit DESE’s website.

New Early College Partnerships: 

  • Argosy Collegiate Charter School in Fall River and UMass Dartmouth

  • Attleboro High School and Bristol Community College

  • Avon High School and Quincy College

  • Beverly High School and North Shore Community College

  • Billerica High School and UMass Lowell

  • B.M.C. Durfee High School (Fall River) and UMass Dartmouth

  • Brockton High School and Bridgewater State University

  • Brockton High School and Massasoit Community College

  • Clinton High School, Mt. Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State University

  • David Prouty High Schol (Spencer) and Worcester State University

  • Duggan Academy (Springfield) and American International College

  • Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (Boston) and Bunker Hill Community College

  • Martha’s Vineyard High School and Middlesex Community College

  • Methuen High School and UMass Lowell

  • New Bedford High School and UMass Dartmouth

  • Pittsfield High School and Berkshire Community College

  • Tech Boston Academy and UMass Boston

  • Margarita Muniz Academy (Boston) and UMass Boston