Massachusetts Maritime Academy Partners with Bourne High School for Early College Program

Healey-Driscoll Administration awards collaborative initiative $50,000 grant

Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA), a top-ranked public university with undergraduate degree programs focusing on science, engineering, technology, math, and business that blend academics and experiential learning, is excited to announce its partnership with Bourne High School (BHS) to launch an Early College program.

The Academy and Bourne High School were among 31 college and high school partnerships throughout the Commonwealth to receive Early College grants from the Healey-Driscoll Administration to begin a Designated Early College program in the Fall of 2026.  Early college programs are a key part of the administration’s “Reimagining High School” initiative, ensuring Massachusetts students are prepared for college or careers when they graduate high school. 

The programs are intentionally designed to empower students traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Massachusetts Early College programs blend elements of high school and college to provide students with the opportunity to experience and complete college level academic coursework on a clearly defined pathway while at the same time gain exposure to a variety of career opportunities.

MMA and BHS share a long history of collaboration and positive communication based on their neighboring proximity and shared educational values.  With a shared vision of rigorous academics and a hands-on approach to building leadership and professional skills to prepare students for successful careers, both institutions have identified that underrepresented populations have not fully or successfully accessed current offerings, from Innovation Pathways at BHS to undergraduate programs at MMA such as Engineering and International Maritime Business (IMB). 

With the support of the $50,000 grant, the Early College program will introduce BHS students to high-level coursework, instruction, and hands-on opportunities and materials, including the use of lab spaces at the MMA campus. MMA and BHS educators will work together to develop the scope, sequence, and offerings for the program. A Steering Committee with representatives from both institutions will be established and will include Dean of Undergraduate Studies James McKenna, Dean of Enrollment Management, Equity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Michael Ortiz, and Associate Dean of Engineering James Yeh, all from MMA; and Assistant Superintendent Barbara Starkie, Ed.D., Bourne High School Principal Lisa E. Maguire, Ed.D., and Curriculum Director 6-12 Jessee Clements representing Bourne Public Schools.

“We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for this important grant funding and thrilled to partner with Bourne High School to launch this exciting Early College program,” said Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, USMS, president of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. “This initiative not only strengthens our longstanding relationship with the high school but also aligns with our commitment to providing high-quality education and hands-on learning experiences. By empowering underrepresented students with access to advanced coursework and career opportunities, we are paving the way for a brighter future for many local students.”

“We are excited to collaborate with Massachusetts Maritime Academy on what we are certain will be a valuable program,” said Kerri Anne Quinlan-Zhou, Ed.D., superintendent of Bourne Public Schools. “The partnership will provide our students with beneficial opportunities to engage in advanced coursework and gain practical experience in various fields. By working together, we aim to prepare our students for successful futures in college and their careers.”

About Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA): MMA is a fully accredited, four-year, co-educational state university offering Bachelor and Master of Science degrees that are highly regarded in the worldwide maritime industry and beyond. For more than 100 years, MMA has prepared women and men for exciting and rewarding careers on land and sea. As the nation's finest co-ed maritime college, MMA challenges students to succeed by balancing a unique regimented lifestyle with a typical four-year college environment. Located on Cape Cod, at the mouth of the scenic Cape Cod Canal, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is the ideal college to pursue the love for the ocean, concern for the environment, interest in math and science, and a thirst for adventure. Follow MMA on FB:  @massmaritime, @MassMaritime.Advancement; IG: @massmaritime, @mmacademyalumni; Twitter: @MMAadmissions, @MMAcademyAlumni; YouTube: Massachusetts Maritime Academy. 

About Bourne Public Schools:  Bourne Public Schools, located on both sides of the Cape Cod Canal, is dedicated to fostering a culture of academic excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. Serving approximately 1,600 students, the district features four excellent schools organized by grade bands: Bournedale Elementary School (PK-2), Bourne Intermediate School (3-5), Bourne Middle School (6-8), and Bourne High School (9-12). The district emphasizes the development of critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration to prepare students for success in an ever-evolving world. With a commitment to engaging instruction, data-informed decision-making, and strong family and community partnerships, Bourne Public Schools strives to empower every student to achieve their full potential. Discover how Bourne is "Reimagining Education" by visiting our website at www.bourneps.org.