2026 Early College Summit

Early college programs expand access to higher education, but what happens after students graduate or go to a higher education institution? This interactive session invites educators and leaders to explore the academic, social, and institutional challenges early college graduates encounter during the transition to four-year institutions and career pathways. Through collaborative mapping, case analysis, and design-thinking activities, participants will identify gaps in current support structures and develop actionable strategies to strengthen postsecondary persistence. Attendees will leave with practical tools and a concrete next step to ensure early college success extends beyond graduation and truly prepares students to be future-ready.