Date/Time: October 30, 2025 | 3:00 – 4:00 pm

Room: 157-158

Audience: Architects, Engineers, Educators, Facility Personnel, Contractors / Suppliers / Manufacturers, Consultants

Call to Action: 
Following this session, attendees will be prepared to advocate for early college and career programs, bringing a deeper understanding of the opportunities, benefits, and requirements each approach to implementing these programs presents. The strategies attendees will gain for the effective design of ECHS and CTE learning environments can be implemented in their next project to provide a rigorous, elevated learning environment regardless of the program type.

Abstract: Education for the workforce of tomorrow needs to rethink the standard PK-12 model. Integrating alternative pathways through a PK-16 approach provides students with impactful opportunities to supercharge their high school education with early collegiate and career opportunities. Early College High School (ECHS) and early career (CTE) programs leverage connections with community colleges and local industry partners to immerse students in a collegiate or career environment, allowing them to earn a college degree or certification, and a high school diploma with integrated support and without the burden of student debt. There are many different ways to implement ECHS and CTE programs to align with district goals and community needs, each approach producing its own unique learning environment. Whether they are embedded within a college campus, co-located with a CTE, or on a high school campus, ECHS facilities should be designed to foster an elevated, rigorous, supportive learning community. Through the lens of case study projects, this session will explore the versatility of ECHS programs and effective strategies for developing successful programs and designing facilities that deliver an elevated learning atmosphere, inspire growth, and support long-term student success.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the framework for developing effective collegiate and industry partnerships for enhancing PK-12 education, and their benefits for student success.
2. Develop an in-depth understanding of region-specific needs and approaches to developing tailored offerings.
3. Explore the unique educational and developmental needs of early collegiate and career students.
4. Identify and apply design strategies for supporting early collegiate students to create specialized learning environments that facilitate mentorship, growth, and inquiry-driven learning.