Woburn expands STEM and early‑college offerings with new lab, UMass courses and student supports

The Woburn School Committee heard on March 10 that the district has expanded its STEM and early‑college programs, adding lab infrastructure and more transferable college coursework through a growing partnership with UMass.

Kim Gustin Hovind, the district's STEM coordinator, told the committee the high school built a cell‑culture laboratory and now offers multiple pathways — Advanced Placement, dual enrollment and early‑college courses — that give students campus‑level laboratory experience and college credits. "We built a cell culture laboratory out of one of our book rooms... we're doing it because we want the kids to know how to use it when they go to their careers or if they go to college," Hovind said.

Why it matters: The district said the expansion increases college access and reduces costs for families because early‑college credits appear on a student's college transcript. Administrators said the early‑college program grew from roughly 20 students to more than 80 across nine courses this year and expects to add business and art courses next year (targeting about 12 total early‑college offerings). A district staffer reported that in a recent biomed course, 100% of students earned credit from Rochester Institute of Technology when district grade and assessment thresholds were met; other PLTW courses saw 77%–80% credit‑earning rates.

What the committee asked: Members pressed on enrollment and outcomes. Hovind said about five students who participated last year had matriculated to a UMass campus, and the district seeks to track participants through a One Goal cohort program that follows students from junior year into their freshman college year or first year of work. Assistant presenters noted early‑college credits are recorded on UMass transcripts and, while transferability varies by institution, many public and out‑of‑state colleges accept the credits.

Program details and equity: The early‑college program is described as equitable and accessible — district presenters emphasized that students who are not already on an AP track are encouraged to participate and that early‑college credits are free to the student (though students still must request transfer of transcripts once at college). The district also highlighted related supports such as a three‑year One Goal program to teach soft skills, college navigation, and registrar procedures.

Next steps: The committee did not take action on the presentation; administrators said they are pursuing official designation work with the state and continuing to expand course offerings and community partnerships.

Sources: Presentation to the Woburn School Committee, March 10, 2026; statements by Kim Gustin Hovind and UMass partners.