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 Early College Policy Fellowship is a paid 6-month Fellowship program designed to elevate student voices and build leadership, policy, and advocacy skills among Massachusetts students. Fellows are current college students with former Early College experience, and are viewed as key leaders in the movement to strengthen and expand Early College in the Commonwealth. Throughout the Fellowship, the Alliance and external partners provide training in the core skills of movement building: public and civic engagement, legislative advocacy, traditional and social media communications, and grassroots organizing.
The Fellowship is currently in its 3rd cohort for the 2023-24 school year. Lisbeth Tineo and Sabi Marte, two incredible leaders from the inaugural cohort, are leading the Fellowship this year.
Meet the Fellows
Ariam Tavarez Caimares
“Early College provided me with the opportunities that made it possible for me to attend college. As an undeclared student, the jumpstart I got from accumulating credits during high school has given me a lot of breathing room to explore potential majors. I want more students in Massachusetts to have the opportunity to do the same. ”
High School: Lawrence High School, Class of 2022
Early College Institution: Merrimack College
Postsecondary Institution: Merrimack College, Expected Class of 2026
Major: Undeclared
Hometown: Lawrence, MA
Destiny Egbuta
“Early College inspired me to elevate myself and gave me a stepping stone to college. Not only will the Fellowship help advance my future, it will also teach me the leadership skills needed to elevate others. This program will help me further my goal of becoming an advocate for educational equity and the growth and success of the Early College initiative.”
High School: Lynn Classical High School, Class of 2023
Early College Institution: Salem State University
Postsecondary Institution: Salem State University, Expected Class of 2027
Majors: Pre-Med
Hometown: Lynn, MA
Elianna Soto Martinez
“Through the Early College Policy Fellowship, I will be able to help more students have access to Early College programs and help students see that your economic status does not define how far you go in your education.”
High School: Fenway High School, Class of 2023
Early College Institution: Bunker Hill Community College & Wentworth Institute of Technology
Postsecondary Institution: Centre College, Expected Class of 2027
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Boston, MA
Hadassa Guillaume
“Early College has greatly impacted my life and I would love to advocate for policies to ensure that more students have access to Early College programs and feel completely prepared for college. I am excited to be a part of the Fellowship and expand Early College opportunities to students across Massachusetts.”
High School: New Heights Charter School of Brockton, Class of 2023
Early College Institution: Massasoit Community College
Postsecondary Institution: UMass Boston, Expected Class of 2026
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Brockton, MA
Ivan Kim
“I never felt more successful than when I saw on my college transcript that I was at a sophomore level before officially entering my first year of college. The thought of what I can do with an extra year while still graduating on time amazes me! I want all students with a strong passion for learning to have access to Early College programs just as I did.”
High School: Lowell High School, Class of 2023
Early College Institution: Middlesex Community College
Postsecondary institution: UMass Lowell, Expected Class of 2027
Major: Chemistry
Hometown: Lowell, MA
Lana Viola
“The Early College program opened up a lot of amazing opportunities which enriched my education and high school experience. The program helped me get ahead on my courses and also my future. I believe the Early College program is beneficial and impactful on young people’s lives.”
High School: Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, Class of 2023
Early College Institution: Northern Essex Community College
Postsecondary Institution: Northern Essex Community College, Expected Class of 2025
Major: Civil Engineering
Hometown: Haverhill, MA
Madhelyn Febrillet
“Early College helped me flourish and grow because of all of the support and resources that were available to me while in the program. I am extremely excited to join the Early College Policy Fellowship because it will give me a platform to advocate for all the good that the Early College program can do for students.”
High School: Lawrence High School, Class of 2021
Early College Institution: Merrimack College
Postsecondary Institution: UMass Lowell, Expected Class of 2025
Major: Criminal Justice
Hometown: Lawrence, MA
Nicholas York
“Early College gave me the opportunity to take courses I was really interested in and reinvigorated my love of learning. I want to make sure others have the opportunity to explore their interests through Early College.”
High School: Burncoat High School, Class of 2023
Early College Institution: Quinsigamond Community College & Worcester State University
Postsecondary Institution: Worcester State University (transferring to Cornell University, Expected Class of 2027)
Major: Industrial & Labor Relations
Hometown: Worcester, MA
Nikolai-Philip Rodrigues
“I am excited to join the Early College Policy Fellowship because it provides a platform to advocate for policies that can level the playing field for students from underserved communities. Growing up in Fall River, I recognized the importance of equal opportunities in education, inspiring me to contribute to a more equitable and promising future for the students of tomorrow.”
High School: Durfee High School, Class of 2022
Early College Institution: Bristol Community College & Bridgewater State University
Postsecondary Institution: Boston University, Expected Class of 2026
Major: International Relations
Hometown: Fall River, MA
Nnadubem Austin Ganobi
“Before I joined the Early College program, I was skeptical on how well I would perform in college-level courses. Early College helped me gain confidence in my academic abilities and eased my worries on pursuing higher education. I’m excited to join the Early College Policy Fellowship because I hope to inspire other students to take advantage of these opportunities.”
High School: Lowell High School, Class of 2023
Early College Institution: Middlesex Community College
Postsecondary Institution: Middlesex Community College, Expected Class of 2025
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Enugu, Nigeria
Noelle Gregoire
“I am excited to join the Early College Policy Fellowship because Early College allowed me to transfer over 50 credits for free to my current institution while exploring different career paths. I have saved thousands and found my passion in Public Relations and Marketing. I would love to pass on my positive experience to more aspiring students out there!”
High School: Haverhill High School, Class of 2023
Early College Institution: Northern Essex Community College
Postsecondary Institution: Bridgewater State University, Expected Class of 2026
Major: Public Relations & Marketing
Hometown: Haverhill, MA
Yaslee Dube
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to join the Early College Policy Fellowship. Early College put me in a better spot academically and emotionally. Being able to take college courses has made me more confident in my schooling and put me on track to graduate early. I strongly believe in the Early College program and am very passionate about ensuring this opportunity for many students to come.”
High School: Haverhill High School, Class of 2023
Early College Institution: Northern Essex Community College
Postsecondary Institution: Bridgewater State University, Expected Class of 2027
Major: Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Haverhill, MA