Middlesex Community College: MSCPA Awards Middlesex CC $25,000 For Early College Program

Press release from the Middlesex Community College:

Caitlin Buckley

7/29/2021

At Middlesex Community College, high school students receive valuable opportunities to enhance their education, earn college credit, and gain a competitive edge in applying for and succeeding in higher education. Middlesex was awarded $25,000 by the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA) to expand the college’s Early College High School Academy for students interested in accounting, statistics and other business related courses.

MCC is the first college in Massachusetts to offer high school students a program focused on accounting. Students who are interested in participating are eligible to take up to 12 credits and receive funds to cover the cost of courses, according to Ellen Grondine, MCC’s Dean of K-16 Partnerships, Academic & Student Affairs.

“The MSCPA Foundation is an exceptional partner,” Grondine said. “They are making an investment in students’ career aspirations and are willing to be actively involved. In addition, the foundation is committed to working directly with high schools to provide career specific lectures, paid internships and future employment opportunities.”

In addition to helping students reach their goals, the college strives to show them how to take advantage of the resources and support they have available to them in college, according to Grondine. Exposing high school students early to the college experience – with networking and real-world practice in a field that interests them – sets up students for long-term academic and professional success.

Funding from the MSCPA – as well as from other sources and partnerships – helps Middlesex remain committed to making college affordable and accessible for all. High school students taking college-level courses at MCC can save thousands of dollars in tuition costs overall.

A CPA member of the MSCPA, Frank Nocella, MCC’s Vice President of Finance & Chief Financial Officer, believes accounting is a thriving industry that offers a lot of room for career growth, advancement and job opportunities. He recommends MCC’s Early College High School Academy for students who are interested in learning more about accounting as a possible career path as it gives them the chance to also focus on economics, statistics and information technology.

“The financial support and commitment from the MSCPA Foundation allow Middlesex to scale up and expand its Business Pathway programs,” Nocella said. “MSCPA funding helps these students get on track with their career, earn college credit and complete their degree program before graduating from high school. The college is also able to offer students a strong economic value and additional opportunities for financial aid, scholarships, internships, guidance and strategies for managing the cost of higher education.”

For more information on MCC’s Early College High School Academy and Dual Enrollment programs, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/dualenroll/ or contact Grondine at grondinee@middlesex.mass.edu.

MCC’s on campus or online courses come with award-winning student support services and resources. The Fall 2021 semester begins on Thursday, September 9. For more information and to register for classes, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in education for more than 50 years. Middlesex puts the student first. Meeting each learner where they are, MCC provides them with a safe, welcoming and engaging place to learn. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Student success starts at MCC!

This press release was produced by the Middlesex Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.