Educational Attainment
The City of Lawrence is at a pivotal moment. As one of Massachusetts' designated Gateway Cities, Lawrence carries tremendous potential - and persistent structural challenges - that make educational attainment and workforce development essential to the city's long-term economic vibrancy. Gateway Cities are characterized by diverse populations, industrial legacies, and lower income levels compared to statewide averages. Lawrence reflects this definition clearly: it is rich in culture, history. and community strength, yet faces significant disparities in income, opportunity, and educational outcomes.
A Community Commitment to Educational Attainment
The Educational Attainment Task Force (EATF) Strategic Plan is a community-driven roadmap to expand college access and economic opportunity for Lawrence residents. The plan works across three pipelines, Youth, 4-Year, and Workforce Mobility, guided by four strategic priorities:
1
Access & Belonging
Expanding FAFSA and MASFA completion, engaging families through the College Family Series, and building a Middle School Pipeline to plant the seeds of college ambition early.
2
Education to Career
Strengthening Early College programs to ease the transition from high school to college, and building CommUniversity — a pathway that allows students to complete an A.A. or A.S. and continue directly to a Bachelor's degree in Lawrence.
3
Workforce & Economic Growth
Creating noncredit-to-credit pathways so workforce credentials count toward degrees, partnering with local employers on apprenticeships, and supporting adult learners re-entering the workforce through community-based programs.
4
Building Momentum
Establishing a funding consortium, pursuing philanthropic and employer partnerships, and developing shared data systems to track progress across the community.