{"id":99357,"date":"2025-07-09T12:31:44","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T12:31:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hps.collaborative.org\/hopkins-academy\/?page_id=99357"},"modified":"2026-09-02T12:38:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T16:38:21","slug":"early-college-pathway-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hadleyschools.org\/hopkins-academy\/college-career-pathways\/early-college-pathway-faq","title":{"rendered":"Early College Pathway FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”19px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_heading title=”Most Asked Questions!” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Why take advantage of the Early College Pathways program?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

The Early College Pathways program recognizes that the financial costs and time associated with earning a college degree, in addition to general student readiness for college course work are two major factors that impact college completion rates. With 65% of all jobs requiring post-secondary education and training (according to 2020 labor market data), the Early College Pathways program supports all students by providing them with the opportunity to get an early start building their college transcript, while also encouraging students to learn and practice the skills necessary for a smooth college transition after high school, in order to increase the likelihood of college completion.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Who can participate in this program?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

The Hopkins Academy Early College Pathways program has been designed to support all students, with priority given to students historically underrepresented in post-secondary education enrollment and completion, and in the relevant career industry.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”In what grade do students begin the Early College Pathways program?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Students are strongly encouraged to apply to the Early College Pathways program starting in the 8th grade to allow for full participation, though students may decide to apply later based upon readiness (prior to the start of their senior year). In additional to free college courses, what else does the Early College Pathways program provide? Students will participate in self-awareness, career research, and college planning activities throughout 9th-12th grade. These activities serve to promote a developmentally appropriate build-up to taking college courses during their 10th grade (Hopkins Academy campus), 11th and 12th grade (GCC campus), in addition to supporting students in the determination of a future post- secondary plan before graduating from Hopkins Academy.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What kind of academic support is available for students in the Early College Pathway program?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

These academic resources are set up to help students with problem-solving support, as well as resources to be successful in the program. All EC Pathway students are assigned a Hopkins Academy EC advisor. EC advisors hold weekly office hours to check in with students on progress and concerns. English Language Learners in the EC Pathway are assigned a certified ESL instructor as their advisor. Students with IEPs in the EC Pathway have access to academic support classes and may be assigned an advisor who is certified in special education. Students will get additional support by working with a college advisor once they begin taking college course work at Greenfield Community College.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What career development support is provided to students in the Early College Pathways program?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

As a part of the MyCAP process, students will complete tasks that assist them in exploring the various careers available in relation to their interests. Students begin the MyCAP process of career exploration in the 7th grade so that by 9th grade they will have a better understanding of their interests and the possible careers that are related to those interests. Students will explore specific careers, the labor market outlook for those careers, and rates of pay based on specific regions of Massachusetts. All students in grades 9-12 will participate in exploratory experiences like the annual Career Fair, and Credit for Life Fair, which promote student curiosity and understanding of the interested professions, and the lifestyle these professions may provide. Additionally, these students will have access to Career Service resources through Greenfield Community College.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Our partner, Greenfield Community College, also makes resources available to dual-enrollment students:” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n