Planning for College

For the past 35 years the Consortium has sponsored a variety of education access programs in locations across Massachusetts. The purpose of these programs is to ensure that individuals fulfill their academic potential and meet their personal and professional goals.

The Consortium's access services include academic program and financial aid information, application assistance, and academic and career advising and testing. The Consortium acts as an "education broker" for individuals receiving services, and places them in the education program best suited to their academic and career goals. Once the individual is enrolled in an academic program, the Consortium can provide retention and support services.

Two of the Consortium's access programs are federally funded TRIO programs, including the statewide Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) network, annually serving more than 7,000 adults from Boston to the Berkshires, and Educational Talent Search (ETS), serving 7th -12th grade youth in Worcester, New Bedford and Springfield. A third program, GEAR UP, is federally funded through a contract with the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. Through the Consortium, GEAR UP provides in-school services to middle and high school students through GEAR UP Worcester, New Bedford, Springfield and Holyoke. The GEAR UP program also provides professional development services to teachers and guidance counselors at GEAR UP schools statewide. All services are provided free of charge.

The Worcester Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is the Consortium's central Massachusetts service delivery component. In addition to the programs listed above, Worcester EOC provides access services to area school districts and community agencies, working with students, parents, teachers and counselors to ensure that the college-going process is well understood and "de-mystified" for those families looking for a little extra help along the way.