The Power of Strong Partnerships

Middlesex Community College and the Lowell Public Schools have enjoyed a strong and long lasting partnership focused on providing the best educational opportunities possible for our community’s youth. On Wednesday, June 13, teachers, guidance counselors and administrators from Lowell High and Middlesex gathered at the historic Nesmith House to celebrate the end of another academic year filled with numerous collaborations.

Lowell Public Schools Superintendent Jean Franco with Middlesex President Carole Cowan

The headline of this year’s partnership activities was the launching of a highly successful dual enrollment program. Almost 100 Lowell High seniors were enrolled in Middlesex courses each semester in the fall and spring. Students earned college credits in English, psychology, environmental science and calculus. Research shows dual enrollment participation is positively related to several college outcomes such as college enrollment and persistence. For the latest research on dual enrollment from the Community College Research Center visit

Middlesex Professor of Math Maria Arambel and Lowell High School Math Teacher Tracy Estrella

Lowell High teachers Kristie Volante, Suzanne Keefe and Jennifer Carey

Lowell High Psychology Teacher Jennifer Carey with Middlesex Psychology Professor Jennifer Pisarik

Lowell High English teacher Kristie Volante, Middlesex English Professor Cathy McCarron and Lowell High English teacher Rose Mendonca