Impact Engines | Experiential Associate to Master’s

Experiential Associate to Master’s

Talent is everywhere.
All it needs is access to higher education.

Experiential Associate to Master’s (eA2M) opens doors for students with some college credit to earn their degree through the Northeastern University College of Professional Studies. eA2M’s proven model increases enrollment and retention, enabling educators to support students from underrepresented populations on their journey into the skilled workforce.  

eA2M increases access to higher education in order to close the wealth gap and empower career trajectories of historically underrepresented populations. 

39 million Americans have some college credit and no degree. We envision a world where they have an achievable pathway to a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree.  

With the share of jobs that require postsecondary degrees doubling over the last 40 years—a trend that appears to be accelerating—providing access to higher education is essential to reducing inequity.  

eA2M opens doors to a future where people from all backgrounds can become career-ready via an experiential education. 

In Boston, A2M programs have been enabling access to bachelor’s and master’s degrees since 2017. eA2M aims to scale A2M across the entire Northeastern global network.  

By developing strong partnerships with community colleges, meeting learners where they are, and building robust, individualized student support structures, eA2M expands opportunities for students without a degree to enter fulfilling, high-paying careers.  

Built on pillars of affordability, flexibility, scalability, and community partnership, the eA2M model is growing from Boston to Northeastern campuses in Miami, Oakland, Portland (ME) and beyond. 

Thank you for your interest in Northeastern University’s Experiential Associate to Master’s (eA2M) Impact Engine. eA2M promises to empower underrepresented populations by providing pathways to bachelor’s and master’s degrees for those with some college credit but no bachelor’s degree.   

As eA2M’s Director, I am proud of Northeastern’s commitment to close the wealth gap and transform lives through lifelong learning. My journey—from Northeastern undergraduate, to teacher, to principal, to regional assistant superintendent, and now to eA2M—has been driven by the mission to expand access to higher education. Northeastern’s focus on experiential learning enhances eA2M’s ability to offer a life-altering experience for students, addressing societal challenges by promoting education as a tool for economic and social empowerment. We strive to make education accessible, supportive, community-oriented, and career-focused. We appreciate your support in building impactful, scalable solutions.    

Christopher Cook, Director, eA2M 

Testimonials

Kathleen Sweeney, Dean of STEM, Middlesex Community College

“As there are a number of high-quality STEM positions available across Massachusetts, access to education has never been more important. We are proud to not only be a starting point for so many students, but to be able to guide them on their paths to stable jobs and incomes, and brighter futures.” 

Dumazo Ngesina, Northeastern CPS student, Health Sciences

“I needed to get a career that would allow me to do what I am in interested in doing and live a comfortable life.” 

Dr. Elizabeth Zulick, Vice Chancellor, Strategic Planning and Projects and Education Innovation, Northeastern University

“Finding effective models that integrate learning and working, rather than just alternating the two, should be an urgent national priority.”

U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley

With a persistent and widening racial wealth gap, it is investments like this that will close that racial wealth gap and also address the glaring disparities in access to higher education.

Tamara Palmer, Software Engineer, Brainstation, Northeastern University Miami ‘24

“[This opportunity] served as a profound affirmation of my hard work and potential in the IT field.”

eA2M Launches in Miami

eA2M is empowering students in Miami to complete their bachelor’s degree and find ways to a fulfilling career. We are introducing degree competion programs in the following, high-growth fields: