Throughout our history, EDCO has served its constituencies well - its member school districts through the School Services program and the federal, state, and local agencies that fund the direct service projects. EDCO was the first education collaborative in Massachusetts and has been a leading force in providing education alternatives throughout the commonwealth.

Established in 1969 as a private not-for-profit (Chapter 180), the Education Collaborative for Greater Boston, Inc. was formed by superintendents from seven member school districts. Their purpose was to increase communication and understanding among staff and students in urban and suburban school districts. Initial programs were designed to cross racial, economic and social barriers. Early on, EDCO received funding to operate voluntary desegregation programs, using the City of Boston as a classroom and bringing suburban students into Boston to work with inner city students.

Over time, school districts began to see the value in collaborating through EDCO on other education issues such as special education, school-to-work, vocational education and professional development for teachers. A grant from the Ford Foundation in the early 80’s allowed for the development of additional demonstration programs related to curriculum and instruction, and membership grew along with the services offered.

In 1988 EDCO formed an additional organization under Chapter 40 to provide a public collaborative to complement the private not-for-profit agency. Many of the programs operated under the original Chapter 180 organization were shifted to the Chapter 40, and the agency continues to operate both entities.

EDCO’s mission has been consistent throughout its history and now has 21 member school districts. plus the Boston Archdiocesan Schools. EDCO continues to strengthen its programs and services to the youth and families it serves. The Collaborative brings together people from all walks of life in pursuit of better education, family support and community service.