Veritas Prep’s first early college graduating class makes history at STCC

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – At 18 years old, Elijah P. “Eli” Frederick stood before thousands of graduates along with their families and friends at the Springfield Technical Community College commencement ceremony and spoke on behalf of the Class of 2026.

“Standing here tonight feels surreal,” said Frederick, who was chosen as student speaker for the commencement, held May 28.

It was “surreal,” he said, because he just completed an associate degree while in high school.

Frederick was among 36 students from Veritas Prep Charter School who earned associate degrees from STCC at the same time they received their high school diplomas, marking a historic milestone for the school’s first graduating class.

The Class of 2026 is the founding class of Veritas Prep’s innovative early college program, which launched in 2022. The school’s “wall-to-wall” early college model allows students to begin taking college courses as early as ninth grade and eventually transition to full-time study on the STCC campus while still enrolled in high school.

Unlike many dual enrollment programs that serve a select group of top students, Veritas leaders say their model is designed around broad access and intensive support.

“We are truly an early college-for-all school,” said Rachel Romano, founder and executive director of Veritas Prep. “At other schools, you often see only select students getting access to these opportunities. For us, it’s about making sure all students have access when they're ready and the support to succeed.”

Frederick joined the program as a freshman after encouragement from his mother, who helped him recognize the long-term opportunity the program could provide.

“She brought to light how this journey could continue to progress and move forward in such a magnitude,” Frederick said during an interview before the commencement ceremony. “I saw the opportunity to grow in a way that none of my peers might be able to, and I kind of jumped on it.”

Dr. Christopher Thuot, Vice President of Academic Affairs at STCC, said the graduating class represents what early college partnerships are designed to do. They expand opportunity, build confidence, and help students accelerate toward their academic and career goals.

“These students did not simply visit a college campus,” Thuot said. “They became college students. They learned how to navigate college life and complete rigorous coursework.”

Thuot added, “The partnership between STCC and Veritas Prep has become a model collaboration focused on student success. Together, we built a support system that helps students thrive academically.”

Students in the program gradually build toward full college immersion. STCC professors taught ninth- and tenth-graders inside the Veritas building. By 11th grade, students transitioned fully onto the college campus, taking classes alongside traditional college students.

“It didn’t get real until I was there at STCC,” Frederick said. “When I finally got there, it was like, ‘Oh, this is actually real. I’m actually getting an associate degree.’”

It didn’t get real until I was there at STCC. When I finally got there, it was like, ‘Oh, this is actually real. I’m actually getting an associate degree.' Elijah Frederick, Veritas Prep and STCC graduate

Frederick ultimately completed 64 college credits while balancing his lengthy athletics schedule, which included basketball, football, cross country and volleyball.

The most difficult part, he said, was learning how to manage increasing independence and responsibility as the program evolved. He credits Veritas Prep and STCC staff members with helping students successfully transition into college life.

“They walked us through it,” Frederick said. “They took the time to make sure we understood the material.”

Adrienne Mantegna, director of Early College Programming at Veritas Prep, said the support system within the program is one of the keys to its success.

“The nature of our model is unique because we have embedded supports in the program,” Mantegna said. “They are never on their own.”

STCC established a Center for Early College in Putnam Hall (Building 17) to provide dedicated presence and resources for partnership staff as well as students.

“Our partnership with STCC runs much deeper than just securing classes for them,” Mantegna said. “We’ve learned together what early college looks like and what students need to succeed.”

For many students and families, the program also offers major financial benefits. Most graduates plan to continue to four-year institutions while bringing substantial college credits with them, potentially saving thousands in tuition costs. All credits transfer seamlessly to Massachusetts public colleges and universities.

Frederick will attend Westfield State University this fall to study political science. His long-term goal is to become a lawyer. Along the way, Frederick said several mentors helped shape his journey, including STCC chemistry professor Dr. Ingo Schranz, Mantegna, and Romano.

“If not for her vision, then where would we be?” Frederick said of Romano.

For Veritas administrators, the graduation ceremony represents the culmination of years of work by students, educators, and families alike.

“This founding class helped us launch a high school,” Mantegna said. “We worked together to come to this milestone.”

The moment also marked the first time early college students participated in STCC’s commencement ceremony.

Wearing his cap and gown at the MassMutual Center, one graduating Veritas student, Ayaan Mazhar, 18, said he was excited to get his associate degree.

“It means a lot because I get to save two years, and I'm also going to be ahead of my peers,” said Mazhar who will attend Western New England University in the fall and study sports management.

Veritas student Nolan Cepeda said he likes the accelerated pace. “I feel like I'm moving quite fast, but it's paying off,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey from sixth-grader at Veritas Prep to college graduate and commencement speaker, Frederick said the experience changed far more than his academic path.

“This not only changed my academics,” he said. “It changed my personal life as well.”

And as he prepared to step onto the commencement stage, Frederick said he is focused on gratitude and the future ahead.

“I’m just happy to be here at the end of the day,” he said. “I’m just taking it one day at a time.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth’s only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC’s highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the College—a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution—seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed, and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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