For aspiring educators, the road to the classroom just became shorter and more affordable. Roxbury Community College (RCC) and Emmanuel College have launched a groundbreaking partnership that creates a direct, accelerated route from an associate degree to a master’s in education. The new Associate-to-Master’s (A2M) Pathway empowers RCC graduates in Early Childhood Education to advance their studies seamlessly at Emmanuel, gaining the credentials, licensure, and financial support needed to enter the teaching profession faster and with less debt.
The Associate-to-Master’s (A2M) Pathway allows RCC graduates with an Early Childhood Education Associate degree to:
Significant financial support makes the pathway even more accessible: eligible RCC transfers receive an annual $25,000 Emmanuel scholarship during their undergraduate studies and a 10% tuition reduction for their graduate degree. Students also benefit from guaranteed admission, no application fee or essay, and junior status upon enrollment through the Massachusetts Transfer Guarantee.
On August 19, 2025, RCC hosted a breakfast signing ceremony to formalize the transfer agreement and announce the expanded partnership.
“I’m proud that RCC’s new partnership with Emmanuel is directly aligned with the College’s strategic priorities,” said Dr. Jonathan K Jefferson, President of RCC. “Emmanuel’s commitment to providing RCC ECE graduates with scholarships and graduate tuition discounts highlights our shared commitment to economic mobility.”
“Emmanuel has always been a potent accelerator of promise and talent,” said Emmanuel College President Beth Ross. “Through this innovative partnership with Roxbury Community College, we are giving aspiring educators a seamless, accelerated, and financially viable pathway toward achieving their professional goals.”
A2M is available to RCC graduates who earn their associate’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Enhanced advice and coordination between RCC and Emmanuel will ensure a smooth transfer process and robust student support.
Grounded in academic excellence and strengthened by affordability and support, the RCC–Emmanuel A2M Pathway offers a direct launchpad for future educators. The program builds on an existing partnership between the institutions, including a RN-to-BSN pathway for RCC nursing graduates. This innovative collaboration not only accelerates students’ journeys into the classroom but also strengthens the pipeline of highly-trained teachers who will make a lasting impact in schools and communities across Massachusetts.
