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Research — Policy Center

Early College Life Sciences Pathways

Expanding Early College access and strengthening career-connected learning are critical to ensuring Massachusetts maintains a competitive, skilled workforce. This report outlines four key objectives to guide an expansion strategy that state leaders are currently developing.

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Key Takeaways

  • Early college is Massachusetts’ most systemic and impactful effort to increase college access and success. Marrying this educational equity strategy with industry-led efforts to grow the life sciences workforce will deliver stronger results on both fronts.
  • Building robust Early College life sciences pathways is a difficult and complex undertaking that requires strong industry involvement. At present, the industry has very little awareness of the state’s Early College strategy, and there has been no formal effort to engage the sector in the state’s ambitious Early College initiative.
  • With the Massachusetts Early College Initiative conducting its first strategic plan and the state’s Life Sciences 3.0 economic development package signed into law, the coming months will be decisive. The actions leaders take to enable the growth of Early College life sciences pathways will heavily influence the ability of Massachusetts students to participate fully in this cutting-edge industry for years to come.

March 3, 2025

Massachusetts high schools are enrolling smaller, more diverse classes, making it essential to maximize the potential of every graduate. Early College, an evidence-based model that enhances high school rigor and accelerates postsecondary progress, is rapidly expanding and increasing degree attainment—especially for low-income, first-generation students.

However, to fully realize its impact, Early College must connect students to high-demand careers. While state guidelines call for structured academic and career pathways, many programs lack the depth needed to prepare students for future jobs. Strengthening these pathways, particularly in fields like life sciences, is a key opportunity.

Massachusetts has the resources and industry partnerships to lead this effort. With Governor Healey’s Life Sciences 3.0 initiative and support from organizations like MassBio and BioBuilder, the state can expand career-connected learning. To guide this effort, the MassINC Policy Center convened leaders across sectors to design a robust Early College life sciences pathway.

This report outlines a model pathway, offering a blueprint and actionable steps for educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to help students seamlessly transition into life sciences careers.

Topic

Education