Pathway to Endorsement

Early College Summit Participants

For students to attend college, clear pathways must be in place to help them in their educational journey. The same is true for the high schools working to graduate their students on to higher learning. Planning and preparation are paramount for Early College High School success and sustainability. That’s why CELL developed an endorsement process – in coordination with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education - to facilitate implementation and recognize schools who meet all Early College High School benchmarks. Endorsed Early College High Schools exemplify the commitment, collaborations and connections necessary to equip students with the attitude and aptitude for postsecondary success.

Each fall, CELL accepts applications from schools seeking endorsement as high-quality implementers of the Early College High School model. Endorsement is for schools that have been implementing the model for two to three years and have had, or expect to have that school year, a graduating class of Early College students. Endorsement signifies that CELL's Core Principles have been met at a high level (i.e., school scores fours or fives in each category of CELL’s Early College rubric).

Early College Endorsement Process

 

Exploring: Year 1

  • Collaborate with CELL
  • Find higher education partner
  • Design an implementation plan

 

Emerging: Years 2-4

  • Establish a memorandum of understanding with a higher education partner
  • Construct and align an EC curriculum
  • Build a college-going culture with student & staff supports
  • Develop college/career readiness exploration opportunities
  • Identify and provide guidance for EC student cohort
  • Create performance data collection process

 

Pursuing Endorsements: Years 4-5

  • Continue and enhance emerging practices
  • Collect/analyze data for first and subsequent cohort
  • Ensure availability of general education transfer core courses and relevance/value of associate degree and CTE pathways
  • Submit letter of intent to CELL to begin endorsement process including a portfolio and site visit

 

Endorsement:

  • Address endorsement recommendations
  • Expand/refine practices
  • Recognize endorsement and "brand" program by adopting Early College High School label
  • Apply for re-endorsement after four years

 * Timeframes may vary by school

Early College Summit Photos

: Panel of four students sharing : Attendees listen during a breakout session : Attendees listens during a breakout session with one in focus : Standing attendee shares with listeners : Two people talk at a exhibit table : Keynote speaker Keith Hawkins shares from the stage : Attendees listen to Keith Hawkins sharing : Large group of people standing in entryway : Sign for the Indiana Early College Summit : CELL team helping other attendees with registration
See All Endorsement Celebration Photos