2026 Early College Summit

This session highlights the impact of early college exposure and how one Massachusetts school fostered a college-going culture for students, staff, and families. New Heights Charter School of Brockton has expanded early college access, with over 50% of graduates earning an associate degree while in high school and nearly all earning at least 12 college credits. Serving a culturally diverse community, the school created an accessible and equitable early college model that instills in ALL students the belief that they are college-bound from day one. Join this session to explore best practices for building a supportive college-going culture.

Research, policy, and practice in dual enrollment and early college are increasingly aligning around a central priority: in order for students to realize the most benefits possible out of college courses in high school, programs need to be structured and provide students with intentionally designed college course experiences aligned to their postsecondary or career interests and trajectories. But that's easier said than done! The College in High School Alliance is working on developing a new framework for intentional dual enrollment, and we want to hear from you: what is it going to take to build dual enrollment and early college programs that give every learner the opportunity to advance their postsecondary and career trajectory, and ensure that students are always having meaningful college course experiences in high school?

The power of any network lies in building strong connections among members. During this role-alike networking session, join peers and colleagues to connect around role-alike discussion of topics important to your work in the early college ecosystem through a facilitated networking conversation.

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. 

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. 

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.