Welcome to

New Mexico Early College
Resource Center

A Community of Best Practice

Early College High Schools are an innovative approach that blends high school and college. These research-based programs allow students to graduate from high school while simultaneously earning college credits toward a degree and/or industry-recognized certification. Early College High Schools give students the launch pad they need to succeed while building the workforce and economy of the surrounding community. 

Pathway2Careers, in partnership with the New Mexico Public Education Department, provides technical assistance, coaching, and resources for ECHS-NM designees, applicants, and prospective applicants. You will find information about upcoming events, designation criteria and requirements, the application process, past event materials, and many other supportive resources and tools on this resource site

Asynchronous, Virtual Student Summit Now Accessible to Students!

We are excited to invite your students to participate in the Virtual Take-Off Student Summit: Soaring to Success – Your Flight to a Bright Future, a self-paced, engaging experience designed for Early College students across New Mexico.

This asynchronous summit offers students the flexibility to explore the purpose of Early College programs, plan for life after high school, and collaborate with peers from across the state through interactive tools and discussions. 

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Explore Early College High Schools

View schools formally designated as Early College High Schools by NMPED.

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Design Principles of Early College High Schools

Explore the core student-focused design principles of ECHS.

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Research on Early College High Schools

Research articles on the Early College High School Model.

New Mexico Career Pathways Resources

Regional labor market information for school districts.

IMPORTANT DATES AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Stay tuned... 2025-26 Events Coming Soon!

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Spotlighting Early College High School Research

The SERVE Center at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro provides high quality research, evaluation, and customized support that drives positive educational outcomes for all learners.  Results from two research studies were recently published by Julie Edmunds, Director of the SERVE Early College  Research Center. Dr. Edmunds is widely respected as one of the country’s leading experts committed to researching Early College High Schools and promoting high school reform. Her team’s research validates the benefits of Early College High Schools, indicating the ECHS model appears to be closing the performance gap among student sub-groups. Access both reports via the SERVE Center’s website by clicking below. 

According to 9th grade results from a rigorous, experimental study, Early College High Schools are creating more positive school environments for students resulting in improved attendance, reduced suspensions, and increased numbers of students on-track for college.
According to results from this 14-year, rigorous experimental study, more early college students earned associate degrees and economically disadvantaged students were more likely to earn bachelor's degrees. Additionally, early college students were more likely to complete high school courses required for college. They had higher attendance, lower suspensions and reported better experiences in school than control students. 

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Nelson Mandela