July 2024

Hello Development,

Here we are mid-summer and while many campuses slow down this time of year, we're bustling and making the most of the season. This issue's program highlight is our Early College program, which we have offered since 2007. This equity-focused program was the feature of our Annual Meeting. Please learn more by clicking on the link below to view the Annual Meeting conversation on Early College where Board Chair Turahn Dorsey was in conversation with a panel of special guests, featuring Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler.

There is welcome and growing focus in Massachusetts on Early College programs because of their capacity to increase the likelihood that low-income and first gen students succeed in graduating from college. These programs—through which high school student earn significant college credits up to 60 hours or two years of course work—can build a bridge to college. At Franklin Cummings Tech, we are now starting a Career Academy and expanding our efforts through the Advanced Standing Associates Program (ASAP). These efforts allows students to earn a full one or two years of college credits during high school and then enroll in college as sophomores or juniors after high school graduation. Read more highlights of our productive summer below. I highly recommend watching the full one-hour recording of the Early College discussion when you have a chance.

Sincerely,

Franklin Cummings Tech Annual Meeting

At the college's Annual Meeting on June 20th, Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, PhD, Darlene Marcano, Head of School, Dearborn STEM Academy, and Marjorie Ringrose, PhD, Director of Education, Smith Family Foundation joined Board Chair Turahn Dorsey for a panel discussion on how Early College is transforming higher education in Massachusetts and the crucial role of partnerships in making it happen.

“We’re seeing students who are engaged in Early College programming matriculate to two- and four-year colleges at a rate of 76%, compared to 55% of their counterparts," said Secretary Tutwiler. "And they’re not just matriculating, they’re persisting.”

Celebrating Two Long-serving Trustees

The college extended a heartfelt thank you to outgoing Board of Trustees members David Fischer and Roger Berman for their decades of service to the college. Both men joined the board in 2015 and have been tireless supporters of the college throughout their nine-year tenures, which officially ended on June 30th.

As we prepare for some of our most ambitious initiatives in the history of the college—including construction of a new state-of-the-art campus in Roxbury's Nubian Square and welcoming our first incoming class of Biotech associate degree students—having a Board of Trustees with such deep industry experience and varied perspectives is an invaluable asset. David and Roger's countless contributions over the past decade have helped build a foundation on which the college can grow and thrive well into the future.

David Fischer, Founder of Gold Hill Capital, leverages his substantial venture capital business experience and broad network into meaningful volunteer experiences, including service on nonprofit boards. He has been an engaging member of our Campaign Committee. He will continue to volunteer at the college.

Roger Berman, President of The Berman Company, liberally shared perspectives that helped the college mitigate risk and grow its core business. A real estate developer with a philosophy to treat everyone with respect, he will remain on the college's Real Estate Committee.

Read Our Full Appreciation

Alumni Profile: Jacky Tran

Before graduating in June 2024 with an associate degree in Automotive Technology, Jacky Tran had already lined up a job as an auto technician at a Subaru dealership. He will keep honing his automotive tech skills while pursuing his bachelor's degree in our ABET-accredited Electrical Engineering bachelor's degree program this September. "The reason I chose (Franklin Cummings Tech) is because of the people, the small community, and the great professors that care about your education," he said.

Employer Praises New Co-op Program

Paul Thibeault of Phoenix Bay State Construction

Paul Thibeault, vice president of projects at Phoenix Bay State Construction, said his company's experience hiring a student through Franklin Cummings Tech's inaugural Co-op Program has been a great experience. "He has been like a sponge absorbing the different things we've been giving him," he said. He added that the new co-op program is an ideal way for companies to build a pipeline of young talent. "It's rewarding to see the fresh young minds coming out and looking into our fields, which we need to foster and nurture as much as we can."

A total of 25 Franklin Cummings Tech automotive and construction management students started paid co-ops at partner companies in June. By the summer of 2026, all associate degree programs here will include a paid co-op option tailored to the needs of employers and students. The program is structured so that students will work full-time for a premier company in the summer after their first year and part-time in their second year to amass 1,200-1,500 hours of relevant work experience before college graduation.

Learn more about the Co-op Program

Economic Development Grant to Provide Cutting Edge Instructional Equipment

Through the efforts of Senator Ed Markey, the college has been awarded a $321,650 grant by the Department of Commerce's US Economic Development Administration. This grant will help the college purchase instructional equipment for our HVAC and Electrical Technology programs that will elevate our ability to teach students on cutting edge equipment at our forthcoming Nubian Square campus. President and CEO Aisha Francis, PhD received word of this good news during a recent visit to DC to personally provide updates on our programs and the status of our new building’s construction to members of the Massachusetts delegation.

Kudos to Early College Director

Thursday, July 25: We are extremely proud to report that Early College Director Lara Tavares will receive the 2024 Tomorrow's Women TODAY Rising Star of the Year award at the organization's annual celebration on July 25. Lara is a dynamo and the driving force behind our efforts to increase access to higher education for all high school students. Register for the Event

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Franklin Cummings Tech is especially grateful for the support from the following Fall 2023 Gala supporters who will be recognized this year, without whom our work would not be possible. Thank you!

To learn more about how your company can support our educational mission and be highlighted in future issues of The Spark, please email Eliza Wilson, Executive Director of Development Operations.

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