2026 Early College Summit: Full Schedule

RTI International will host the 2026 Early College Summit on June 9–10, 2026 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC. This two-day event for early college leaders and program teams will focus on research-based early college and dual enrollment strategies to improve practice and support student success in rigorous learning environments. The Summit is designed so that veteran and new early college practitioners and college partners can collaborate to learn and share expertise to improve learning and student outcomes. Join us as we strengthen our capabilities to empower learners for future ready success!

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8:30am EDT

Building on What Works: Evolving Early College Instruction for an AI- Enabled Future

Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Salem 1C

Craven Early College integrated AI literacy into its existing visible thinking framework to strengthen, not replace, rigorous, student-centered instruction. Through a phased professional learning model, faculty examined research on AI and learning, aligned their work with the North Carolina Portrait of a Graduate, and adapted thinking routines to support evaluation of AI-generated content and metacognition. Ongoing PLC collaboration and targeted workshops introduced tools such as Napkin, NotebookLM, Miro, ChatGPT for Educators, and Claude within a “learning levers” framework. The result is a practical, replicable model for instructional evolution that preserves academic rigor, supports equity, and prepares students for an AI-shaped future.

Presenters

Marlow Artis

Principal, Craven Early College High School

Ashlee Russell

Chief Learning Consultant, AI Learning Central

Ashlee Russell is the founder of AI Learning Central and a faculty member at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she teaches first-year seminar courses focused on information literacy and ethical AI use. With nearly two decades of experience in K–12 education and... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Salem 1C

Leadership

8:30am EDT

Leading to Create a Culture of Collaboration, Caring, and College/Career-Readiness

Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Salem 3C

This session explores how intentional leadership can create a culture of collaboration, care, and college/career readiness at an Early College. Participants will examine strategies that strengthen connections among staff, students, and families while building meaningful bridges between high school and college partners. Emphasis will be placed on increasing access, exposure, and opportunity through a culture grounded in care, open communication, honest feedback, and encouragement. Attendees will reflect on practices that meet students and families where they are and elevate them toward success. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to foster inclusive, supportive systems that prepare all students for postsecondary pathways.

Presenters

Kiara Blue

School Social Worker, Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School

Kiara Blue is an advocate for the youth's accessibility to resources and opportunities as well as their overall well-being. She knew that working with adolescents and young adults was her passion since she was a young teenager. These passions lead her to pursue a career in social... Read More →

Dr. Chrystal Brown

Principal, Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School

Dr. Chrystal Brown is a leader whose dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to students and staff creates a culture of academic excellence and personal growth. She skillfully manages and supervises instructional programs, leads faculty and staff development, and ensures... Read More →

Amanda Cauthen

School Counselor, Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School

Amanda Cauthen serves as the School Counselor at Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School. With 13 years of experience in Cabarrus County Schools, she is deeply committed to supporting students and families within the community and helping them thrive both academically and personally. Ms... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Salem 3C

Leadership

12:40pm EDT

Establishing and Maintaining a Culture and Climate of Success

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm EDT

Salem 3C

This session will share how Josephine Dobbs Clement ECHS has established and maintained a culture of excellence within its 20+ year history through the partnership of Durham Public Schools and North Carolina Central University.

Presenters

Lori Bruce

Principal, JD Clement Early College High School

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm EDT
Salem 3C

Leadership

12:40pm EDT

From Planning to Purpose: Building Future-Ready Students with Digital Comprehensive Academic Portfolios (CAPs)

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm EDT

Winston 1A

This session showcases a digital CAP system designed to help early college students reflect on growth, organize academic and extracurricular data, and plan for college and career pathways. Participants will explore how CAPs integrate state-required Career Development Plans, promote student agency, and strengthen advising practices. Through examples, artifacts, and practical strategies, attendees will gain actionable ideas for implementing a student-centered, scalable portfolio system that supports postsecondary readiness, engagement, and success.

Presenters

Willoughby Newcomb

School Counselor, Duplin Early College High School

Willoughby Newcomb is a certified school counselor at Duplin Early College High School in North Carolina and the founder of Whole Journey Navigation LLC, a consulting practice focused on academic planning, career development, and postsecondary transitions. She holds a Master of Arts... Read More →

Michael Schramm

English Teacher, Duplin Early College High School

Michael Schramm arrived to Duplin Early College High School in November of 2022. Prior formative instructional experiences include: teaching English Language & Composition with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system (3 years); mentoring Chinese nationals enrolled in language immersion... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm EDT
Winston 1A

Leadership