Early college high schools use a transformational strategy of bringing college into high school by simultaneously offering a high school diploma and a college-level credential and/or degree. The schools are tuition-free and expose all students to rigorous academics and career technical education coursework. They focus on low-income youth, first-generation college-goers, English Language Learners, ethnically diverse students, and other young people underrepresented in higher education. Programming includes meaningful work-based learning experiences that align to dynamic sectors of New Mexico’s economy and a structured CTE sequence that leads to credentials recognized by business and industry.

ECHS Leadership Meetings:

Leaders throughout New Mexico’s ECHS system will gather to share resources, information, and experiences to strengthen connections between education, community, and business leaders. Topics pertaining to the ECHS Policy Manual will be discussed, as well as foundational information regarding applying for, starting, and operating an ECHS.

• May 7 – Early College Academy, Albuquerque

New Mexico Career Pathways displays regional labor market information for school districts organized around the National Career Clusters Framework. The site includes simple interactive tools that can be used to explore population data for each district and identify local high-value career destinations for students. Also included on this site are quarterly regional reports that summarize local labor market trends and their relevance to the state’s education system. Podcasts with education professionals and industry leaders are available that delve into the intersection between industry and education within state of New Mexico. To assist with the use and application of labor market information, multiple professional development resources are offered that outline basic labor market terms and strategies in the context of educational processes.