Early College: What It Is
Early College is a structured program of study and supports increased college degrees, career certificates, and, ultimately, career success.
In partnership with Salem State University and North Shore Community College, we are providing a wonderful opportunity for high school students to take college courses sequenced along a career pathway while earning credit for both high school and college. You will accelerate college degree completion on top of fulfilling requirements for high school.

High school students take college classes strategically sequenced along career pathways that count simultaneously toward high school and college completion during their regular high school day.

The goal of Early College is to target students who are the first generation to attend college or may have a barrier accessing college.
Students receive enhanced academic and guidance support to ensure that they thrive in the rigorous college coursework.
Students graduate from high school with significant college credits, reducing the cost and time to degree completion. They graduate with the confidence, habits, and skills needed to be successful in college and their careers.
Requirements:
- The student is on track to graduate in 4-years
- Indicates a willingness to take on the challenge
- Demonstrates academic curiosity
Engaged in the community and meeting school-wide academic expectations; potentially has participated in SHS extracurricular activities.
Charlotte Forten Scholars Early College Program
Named after Salem State University’s first African-American graduate, the Charlotte Forten Scholars Early College Program is dedicated to serving and providing FREE access to students to help them gain an early start on core college classes and explore career pathways.
As juniors, students are enrolled in a Salem State English and history course that is co-taught by Salem State professors and Salem High School teachers. During students’ senior year, they will take two classes in either a healthcare or business career pathway on the Salem State campus. Successful completion of these classes guarantees the students can graduate Salem High School with twelve college credits that are transferrable to ANY college programs while counting as high school credits towards graduation.
In addition, students work with LEAP for Education and the Northshore Workforce Investment Board during their junior year, focusing on the college application process and job skills such as resume building and interviewing.
Career Pathways, Advanced Coursework & Early College Programming at Salem High School
What are Career Pathways?
Pathways are an opportunity to explore your interests in a possible career while earning graduaÂtion and possible college credits.
Three New SHS Pathway Options
Earn an Endorsement after completing the learning experiences within f the following strands. The Endorsement will be added to your transcript.
Career & Technical Ed Strand
- Automotive Technology
- Building and Property Maintenance
- Culinary Arts
- Early Education & Child Care
- Electrical
- Medical Assisting
Humanities Strand
- English
- Fine and Performing Arts
- Social Studies
- World Language
STEM Strand
- Health Science
- Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Computer Science
What are Advanced Coursework Opportunities in the Pathways?
As a comprehensive high school, we prepare students for college and career plans. Our course offerings support student access to high-wage/high-demand industries and colleges/universities. We achieve this, in part, by offering multiple advanced coursework options in each of our three Pathways: CTE, STEM, and Humanities.
What is Early College?
Early College provides a wonderful opportunity for high school students to take college courses for free while in high school. You will accelerate college degree completion and fulfill requirements for high school while earning credit for courses that most often transfer to 2 and 4-year institutions through MassTransfer. SHS students can earn up to 15 credits which is equal to one semester of college credit.
How do I sign up?
9th Grade Scholars – Sign-up will happen in March for the following year.
10th Grade Scholars – See your school counselor or stop by the Early College Office on the 3rd Floor, Room 308A!
Learn about all the career exploration pathways offered by Salem High School & Salem State University.
Talk to your guidance counselor to learn more and to find out how you can get started toward a great career!
- 9th Grade Application
- 10-12th Grade Application
- Family Form Agreement-English
- Family Form Agreement- Spanish
I am interested in how things work and in solving problems.

PATHWAY
- CTE
- STEM
- Early College

Advanced Coursework Opportunities
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- Calculus AB
- Environmental Science
- Early College Business

Possible Careers
2-Year Degree
4-Year Degrees
- Electrician
- Welder
- Plumber
- Automotive Technician
- Civil Engineer
- Biomediacal Engineer
- Marine Biologist
- Chemist

I want to help keep people safe and protected.

PATHWAY
- STEM
- Humanities
- Early College

Advanced Coursework Opportunities
- Early College Healthcare
- US Government & Politics
- Psychology
- Forensics
- Social Justice

Possible Careers
2-Year Degree
4-Year Degree
- Game Warden
- Police Officer
- Firefighter
- EMT
- Detective
- Federal Police Officer
- Border Patrol Agent
- Government

I would like to run or own a business. I like to organize and analyze information

PATHWAY
- CTE
- Early College

Advanced Coursework Opportunities
- PLTW Computer Essentials
- Early College Busines Strand
- PLTW Intro to Engineering Design

Possible Careers
2-Year Degree
4-Year Degree
- Bookkeeper
- Sales Manager
- Hotel Manager
- Small Business Owner
- Financial Analyst
- Advertising
- Account Executive
- Project Manager

I am interested in the health of people and animals

PATHWAY
- CTE
- STEM
- Early College

Advanced Coursework Opportunities
- Early College Healthcare
- CTE Medical Assisting
- CTE Early Education & Childcare
- Biology
- PLTW Medical Interventions

Possible Careers
2-Year Degree
4-Year Degree
- Medical Assistant
- Nurse (RN)
- EMT
- Dietetic Technician
- X-ray Technician
- Animal Scientist
- Athletic Trainer
- Dental Assistant/Hygienist
- RN/BSN
- Nutritionist

I would like to work with students

PATHWAY
- CTE
- Early College

Advanced Coursework Opportunities
- CTE Early Education & Childcare
- English Language and Composition
- Psychology
- Early College Communications

Possible Careers
2-Year Degree
4-Year Degree
- Early Child Educator
- Day Care Owner
- Educational Technician
- Teacher (Art, Music, Science, Elementary, History, Math, Special Education)

I like to use technology to design, create, and solve problems.

PATHWAY
- CTE
- STEM
- Humanities
- Early College

Advanced Coursework Opportunities
- PLTW Computer Essentials
- PLTW Intro to Engineering Design
- Early College Business Strand
- 2D Art and Design

Possible Careers
2-Year Degree
4-Year Degree
- Network & System Admin
- Database Admin
- IT Technician
- Programmer
- System Analyst
- IT Security
- Web Designer
- GIS/Mapping
