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.
Read on to learn more about how the Educational Attainment Task Force (EATF) is addressing the needs of Lawrence residents.
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.