The Early College Network (ECN) is a peer learning community of schools that utilize a dual enrollment strategy to permit students to earn both high school and college credit concurrently.

Early College Network Logo

For Current Members:

Access Amaze for Resources, Tools and Member Discussions

These innovative, public high schools blur the lines between high school and college and in 4-5 years students graduate with a high school diploma, associate degree, and/or up to two years of college credit, and/or certified work credentials. All at no additional cost to students’ families.

Since its inception in 2017, the ECN has convened principals, counselors, college liaisons, and teachers to share best practices, learn from one another, and advocate together to support student access and success in high school and beyond. The ECN has defined a shared identity and established a roadmap to better match the current and changing needs of students and communities. Developed by principals in the network, the Next Generation Early College Framework guides the overall work of the network.

2023-2024 Member Schools

Click on a county to learn more about our 2023-2024 member schools.


Early College Network Membership

Yearly membership begins in August and schools can choose either Option 1: Standard Membership or Option 2: Build Your Own Membership. Download a full description of the membership benefits for both option 1 and option 2.

Option 1: Standard Membership Benefits

  • Peer networking events for principals, counselors and college liaisons, teachers, and students
  • Study visits hosted at member Early College High Schools focused on best practices and overall implementation of the Design Principles in the Next Generation Early College Framework
  • Virtual Career Panels and Leadership Sessions for students and student leaders
  • NC Education Policy updates throughout the year

Option 2: Build Your Own Membership Benefits

  • Design your Early College Network membership to best fit the needs of your school based on the options listed in the description of membership benefits

Become a Member!

Contact Ashley Konopko (akonopko@rti.org) for information on joining the Early College Network.

Early College Network Logo

2023-2024 Schedule of Events

General Session

Aug 24

Welcome to ECN Networking Webinar

Virtual

Principals & Assistant Principals

Sep 21

Principals New to Network

RTI
Sep 21

Principals Networking Session (Fall)

RTI
Nov 2

Leadership Study Visit

Vance Early College
Nov 14

Principals Regional Networking Session (Fall/East)

Bertie Early College
Nov 16

Principals Regional Networking Session (Fall/West)

Parr Center, Central Piedmont Community College
Feb 6

Principals Networking Session (Spring)

RTI
Feb 15

Principals Regional Networking Session (Spring/West)

Nesbitt Discovery Academy
Apr 3

Principals Regional Networking Session (Spring/East)

Registration OPEN
Pender Early College
Apr 11

Principals Regional Networking Session (Spring/Central)

Registration OPEN
Chatham Early College

Counselors & College Liaisons

Sep 28

Networking Session (Fall)

RTI
Oct 26

Regional Networking Session (Fall/West)

Cabarrus Early College
Oct 27

Regional Networking Session (Fall/East)

Duplin Early College
Mar 19

Regional Networking Session (Spring/West)

Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences
Mar 21

Regional Networking Session (Spring/East)

Hertford Early College
Apr 24

Networking Session (Spring)

Registration OPEN
RTI

Innovative Practice Study Visits

Oct 11

Innovative Practice Study Visit (Fall/East)

Craven Early College
Jan 31

Innovative Practice Study Visit (Fall/West)

Cabarrus Kannapolis Early College
Feb 28

Innovative Practice Study Visit (Spring/West)

Davidson Early College
Feb 29

Innovative Practice Study Visit (Spring/East)

Wayne Early/Middle College

STUDENTS

Oct 17

Game Changer Career Panel (Fall)

Virtual
Nov 1

Student Leader Networking Session (Fall)

Virtual
Nov 15

Game Changer Career Panel (Fall)

Virtual
Feb 22

Game Changer Career Panel (Spring)

Virtual
Apr 16

Game Changer Career Panel (Spring)

Registration OPEN
Virtual

Network Design

The ECN, along with other Networks facilitated by RTI, follow a set of nine professional learning design tenets and three network design tenets:

Network Design Circle

NETWORK DESIGN

Network Design Circle

Networks hosted by the Center for Education Services are guided by three additional design tenets:

Membership

Networks are communities of practice that are led by members who share common interests and challenges.

Strong Relationships

Network activities cultivate intentional bonds and bridges among members of the community that extend beyond formal convenings.

Environmental Influence

Members collaborate to influence the environment in which they operate through collective advocacy.

Become an Early College Network Member.

Contact Ashley Konopko (akonopko@rti.org) for information on joining the Early College Network.

One of the best things I have done this year is being a part of the Early College Network.

– Bobby Dixon, Principal, Chatham School of Science and Engineering