Student voice is critical in building high-quality Early College programming, and students should be at the center of deciding what is most important for their own learning.

The Student Advisory Council is a group of current Early College high school students who share their unique perspectives with us to inform our understanding of the student experience. Student Advisory Council members meet individually and in small groups on a monthly basis to discuss a range of topics, such as navigating the Early College onboarding processes and accessing academic support on a college campus. Members also complete monthly deliverables to inform our work, engage in other opportunities, and receive a stipend each month for their participation.

Meet the Members

Anike Santos

“I got to be part of the Student Advisory Council community where I worked with my schools and college program to make it better not just for me but for other students as well.”

Pronouns: she/her
High School: Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School
Early College Institution: Massasoit Community College

Ashley Ortiz Pimentel

“Early College made me feel like I can do college. I never really thought about college but getting to go through Early College made me feel like I can actually continue doing this.”

Pronouns: she/they
High School: Fenway High School
Early College Institution: Wentworth Institute of Technology
Learn more about Ashley’s work: Fenway High School Early College Flyer

Emily King

“I now have the highest expectations of what it means to be in college. I know APA format and I’m at the next level up because of my Early College classes.”

Pronouns: she/her
High School: Athol High School
Early College Institution: Mount Wachusett Community College
Learn more about Emily’s work: Early College is making a difference video

Esperanza Knudson

“I realized Early College was making a difference when I counted all my credits with a staff member. I have about 30 credits and it feels pretty good. I feel proud of myself that I can save money and time.”

Pronouns: she/her
High School: Dearborn STEM Academy
Early College Institutions: Bunker Hill Community College and Wentworth Institute of Technology

Jateja Spriggs

“I want to go to college, receive my BA and go to law school and pursue a career in politics, law, and activism. I want to major in political science and African American studies. I want to be a politician and a lawyer.”

Pronouns: she/her
High School: Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School
Early College Institution: Massasoit Community College
Learn more about Jateja’s work: Early College is making a difference video

Lourdes Reyes

“Early College has strengthened my advocacy skills. Now I’m not scared to email a teacher because I know I have to do what I have to do for my education and I think teachers understand that. Overall, my need to help others who also want to do Early College has grown.”

Pronouns: she/they
High School: Chelsea High School
Early College Institution: Bunker Hill Community College
Learn more about Lourdes’ work: Early College 101 at Chelsea Flyer

Madeline Trombly

“Being in the Student Advisory Council allowed me to share information with my peers and community to spread awareness about Early College opportunities in Worcester.”

Pronouns: she/her
High School: South High Community School
Early College Institutions: Quinsigamond Community College and Worcester State
Learn more about Madeline’s work: Early College is making a difference video

Melanie Gitau

“Early College taught me how to be disciplined when it came to my studies. I learned how to manage different types of assignments.”

Pronouns: she/her
High School: Worcester Technical High School
Early College Institution: Quinsigamond Community College
Learn more about Melanie’s work: Early College 101 at Worcester Tech

Paprika Indressano

“Early College is having a pretty big impact on my finances because I’m coming into full time college academically standing as a sophomore. Early College also gave me an example of higher education and what to expect which was nice.”

Pronouns: she/her
High School: Salem High School
Early College Institution: Salem State University

Pomaa Anim-Amofa

“Early College gave me different exposures to different things. I know I want to do Computer Science but I ended up taking an Early College accounting class and an economic class and it definitely made me think about double majoring and minoring in accounting and econ. With Early College, you can start experimenting with different classes and it may change your mind.”

Pronouns: she/her
High School: North High School
Early College Institutions: Quinsigamond Community College and Worcester State
Learn more about Pomaa’s work: Early College at North High Flyer

Vianna Singh

“Early College gave me the confidence of knowing, yeah I can go to a college and take college classes and I’ll be fine. College is a lot less intimidating because I’m there experiencing it instead of hearing about it.”

Pronouns: she/her
High School: North High School
Early College Institutions: Quinsigamond Community College and Worcester State
Learn more about Vianna’s work: Early College is making a difference video

Vismark Melo

“Before ninth grade, I knew college was not for me because I thought it was for very smart people. I was motivated to join Early College to gain more confidence. The first course I took was Psychology and I liked it. The first time I went on the college campus, it was a bit nerve wracking but after my first class on campus, I realized college students are just like me. The full time Early College experience gives me more independence and accountability.”

Pronouns: he/him
High School: Dearborn STEM Academy
Early College Institutions: Bunker Hill Community College and Wentworth Institute of Technology