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 the Bridge: Strategies for Early College Student Success from Application to Enrollment at a 4-Year University

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

Salem 1A

Navigating the transition from high school to a university presents unique challenges and opportunities for Early College students. During this session, leadership from UNC Charlotte’s Admissions office and Transfer Center, will provide their insight from reviewing these applicants through the admissions process and advising them as they enter with large amounts of college credit. This session will provide you with the transition challenges we've noticed and identify resources that will build a bridge from high school to Early College student success at a 4-year university.

Presenters

Jessica Young

Senior Associate Director, University Transfer Center, UNC Charlotte

Kaitlyn Kubacki

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

Student Supports

9:45am EDT

Successfully Strengthening Parentships: Quincy’s Early College High School Opportunities & Post-Secondary Education Initiatives

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 11:15am EDT

Salem 1A

This session will explore the history and growth of Quincy’s Early College High School Pathway, which began in Fall 2021. Presenters will share the ways in which Quincy High School, North Quincy High School, and Quincy College have worked together to provide students with strong post-secondary opportunities and ongoing support, made possible by Early College High School. Built on a strong, collaborative partnership, leaders and educators from Quincy College and Quincy Public Schools look forward to leading a dynamic and informative session. This session will explore the history and growth of Quincy’s Early College High School Pathway, which began in Fall 2021. Presenters will share the ways in which Quincy High School, North Quincy High School, and Quincy College have worked together to provide students with strong post-secondary opportunities and ongoing support, made possible by Early College High School. Built on a strong, collaborative partnership, leaders and educators from Quincy College and Quincy Public Schools look forward to leading a dynamic and informative session.

Presenters

Meghan Giovannoni

Vice President of Student Success & Partnerships, Quincy College

Meghan Giovannoni serves as the Vice President of Student Success and Partnerships at Quincy College. As a co-founder of Quincy’s Early College High School Pathway, she is thrilled to share this exceptional program with summit participants. In her role at Quincy College she oversees... Read More →

Daniel Gould

Early College Transition Coach, North Quincy High School, Quincy High School

Dan Gould serves as the Early College Transition Coach at North Quincy High School. While he is employed by Quincy College, he works on campus at North Quincy High School each day supporting the Early College students. His role is to ensure that every student feels supported and has... Read More →

Elyjah Stewart

Early College Transition Coach, Quincy High School, Quincy High School

Eli Stewart serves as the college transition coach for the early college program at Quincy High School. Employed at Quincy College for the past 8 years and formerly the assistant to the dean of health sciences, he has been with the early college program since it began in the fall... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 11:15am EDT
Salem 1A

Partnerships

global Y

12:40pm EDT

“It felt more ‘colleg-ey’ because it was with other undergrad students:” Student experiences in cohort and mixed Early College classes.

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

Salem 1A

How are students’ experiences different if they take their Early College classes in cohorts made up exclusively of high school students as opposed to mixed in with traditional-age, matriculated college students?
This session will present the results of original research exploring how students who completed Early College courses describe learning college success skills. College student traits that Early College participants described learning will be reviewed as well as findings that show differences in cohort and mixed course student experiences. Directions for future research and practical suggestions for program improvement and policy design will be discussed.

Presenters