Colleagues,
Good news to share from Greater Lowell Technical High School as it is expanding its Early College partnership with UMass Lowell (UML) through the Commonwealth Collegiate Academy (CCA). Superintendent-Director Jill Davis praised the partnership, stating, “This initiative perfectly aligns with our mission of providing a 2-in-1 education, paving the way for career and college success. We are dedicated to ensuring that every student can thrive after graduation, whether they enter the workforce, the armed services, or continue their education.”
David
Greater Lowell Technical High School Expands Free Early College Partnership with UMass Lowell, Boosting Student Participation and Career Pathways
Greater Lowell Technical High School (GLTech) is excited to announce the expansion of its Early College partnership with UMass Lowell (UML) through the Commonwealth Collegiate Academy (CCA). This no-cost program allows students to earn college credits during their regular school day, integrating seamlessly with their academic and career and technical studies. UMass President Marty Meehan, a strong supporter of the initiative, highlighted its benefits during his 2024 State of the University Address, filmed on the GLTech campus, underscoring the UMass system’s commitment to broadening access to higher education.
GLTech Superintendent-Director Jill Davis praised the partnership, stating, “This initiative perfectly aligns with our mission of providing a 2-in-1 education, paving the way for career and college success. We are dedicated to ensuring that every student can thrive after graduation, whether they enter the workforce, the armed services, or continue their education.”
The CCA program enables Greater Lowell Tech juniors and seniors to take UML courses that satisfy both college and high school requirements. Participation has surged from 8% of juniors and seniors last year to 20% this year, highlighting the program’s growing impact. Students complete college-level coursework during their school day, supported by a hybrid model of instruction co-facilitated by GLTech teachers and UML faculty, ensuring robust academic support in a familiar environment.
David Barbosa of Lowell, a Class of 2025 Electronics Technology student, shared how the program has opened doors for him as a first-generation college student: "For my family, college has always been the apex of education and really important for success over here in the United States. My family didn’t have the opportunity, so they really want me to be successful and they want me to go to college so that way I can learn as much as I can," David said. About the value of the CCA program, he added, "Not only do you save a lot of money, but you also get to experience what it’s like to be a UMass Lowell student."
Greater Lowell Tech Commonwealth Collegiate Academy Students
Looking ahead, GLTech plans to expand the CCA program with new pathways in art and graphic communications, medical science/nursing, and computer science; adding to the current pathways in education, engineering, and marketing/business. These additions will align with the school’s Chapter 74 programs and address workforce needs in high-growth industries, while providing access to advanced coursework.
Superintendent Davis concluded, “This program offers our students a fast track to careers that require a college degree, equipping them with both hands-on skills and academic preparation to enter the workforce more quickly.”
Since its inception, the CCA program has served over 650 students across the Commonwealth, delivering significant tuition savings and enhancing career readiness. Through this partnership, GLTech and UML continue to provide affordable, structured pathways to postsecondary success, preparing students for academic achievement and the demands of the modern workforce.
2023 GLTech Commonwealth Collegiate Academy Students.
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira