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!
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.
