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!

10:45am EDT

Instructional Advancement through Inquiry

Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Salem 3C

Educators and instructional leaders are invited to reflect on Innovation Early College's journey of cultivating faculty capacity to create a school-wide culture of student-inquiry. In this session, participants will develop a shared understanding of high-level inquiry as sustained investigation with increased student agency, examine how intentional vocabulary instruction and exemplars build teacher capacity, apply a practical observation tool to support inquiry-based instructional growth, and examine how inquiry-based instruction advances core Early College outcomes, including student agency, persistence, postsecondary readiness, and credit attainment.

Presenters

Angela Powell

Instructional Coach, Innovation Early College High School

Daniel Fussell

Social Studies Teacher, Innovation Early College High School

Wesley Grant

Dean of Students, Innovation Early College HS

Jennifer Ferguson-Attardi

Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Salem 3C

Innovative Instruction

1:00pm EDT

Early Colleges Improve Mathematics College Readiness for Underprepared Students

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Salem 3C

This session will present the results of a mixed methods experimental study that examined the impacts of the Early College High Schools in North Carolina on students’ success in college preparatory mathematics courses in the 9th through 11th grades, disaggregated for academically prepared and underprepared students. The results show that the Early Colleges have improved students’ course-taking and success for all students, but the impacts are larger for underprepared students. The analyses of classroom observations and interviews with mathematics teachers reveal that instruction in the ECHS displayed a mix of traditional approaches and rigorous student-centered instructional practices.

Presenters

Nina Arshavsky

Senior Research Specialist, RECN 2.0, Early College Research Center, UNCG

Nina Arshavsky is a Senior Research Specialist at the Early College Research Center/SERVE Center at UNC-Greensboro. Dr. Arshavsky’s research and evaluation projects focus on STEM, dual credit, and early college model, which she has been studying for over 18 years. Dr. Arshavsky... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Salem 3C

Research Policy & Impact

global Y

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

9:45am EDT

Equity by Design: Using Data to Expand Access and Support for Underrepresented Students in Dual Enrollment

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

Salem 3C

Dual enrollment and early college were designed to expand opportunity — particularly for students historically excluded from advanced coursework and postsecondary access. Yet national data continues to show disproportionate participation by students who are already college-bound.

This interactive workshop guides participants through a structured equity audit process to analyze enrollment, performance, and district-level data. Teams will identify participation gaps and design targeted, data-informed strategies to strengthen supports in underperforming school districts and underrepresented communities. Participants will leave with practical tools, and templates.

Presenters

Shaneece Green

Regional Coordinator College Credit Plus, Columbus State Community College

Shaneece Green is a multifaceted professional with a diverse range of roles and achievements. She is the Regional Coordinator for College Credit Plus, where she works to expand equitable access to higher education for K12 students across Ohio. Her previous position as the inaugural... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 11:15am EDT
Salem 3C

Research Policy & Impact

global Y

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