Designation and Exemplary Resources

Requirements for Designation

  • Common core state standards are integrated into academic courses. If applicable, common career technical core state standards are integrated into CTE courses.
  • Student learning is accelerated using dual credit, beginning no later than tenth grade. Dual credit courses will be delivered through one or more Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and shall meet these standards:
    • No tuition charged to students,
    • College courses will be taught by instructors who meet HLC definitions for college instructor qualifications, and
    • College courses will align with a pathway as indicated on the Next Step Plan. Courses must align with:
      • established New Mexico higher education general education curriculum, and/or
      • student’s declared CTE pathway, and/or
      • student’s declared major or meta-major. Students will be offered one or more pathways culminating in a certificate, credential, or degree. Each pathway shall:
        • Have workforce partners;
        • Lead to workforce-recognized credentials; and
        • Include work-based learning experiences.
  • Focuses on underrepresented youth by giving admissions preference to low-income students.
  • Focused recruiting efforts encourage applicants from underserved backgrounds.
  • The proportion of low-income students in the student body should be at least as high as that of the high school population for the district in which the ECHS is located. Outreach and recruiting processes shall strive for equitable access.
  • If the pool of applicants includes a lower proportion of low-income students than the average high school income distribution within the district, the ECHS shall conduct additional outreach and recruiting efforts the following year to recruit low-income applicants in proportion to the district’s overall proportion of low income high school students.
  • Innovative, interactive, research-based support structures are in place to facilitate student success in an accelerated learning environment.

An ECHS shall submit an initial application via the online application linked below. The initial application shall include:

  • A description of proposed program;
  • Memorandum of understanding with at least one HEI;
  • Identification of at least one workforce partner; and
  • The projected number of students to be served.

For additional information, please see the complete 2025-2026 Application for ECHS Designation in Forms and Documents below.

ECHS programs participate in an annual review process designed to support strong implementation, continuous improvement, and excellence in student outcomes. Through ongoing monitoring and technical assistance, PED partners with schools to strengthen Early College systems, promote equitable access, and support successful postsecondary and workforce outcomes for students.

As part of the annual review process, PED conducts a data-informed evaluation comparing ECHS outcomes with district high schools and other ECHS programs across New Mexico. Program review includes:

  • Evidence that the program provides equitable access for students most in need, including enrollment of low-income students at rates comparable to district demographics
  • Evidence that students are making meaningful progress toward postsecondary and workforce pathway goals, including:
    • Students completing grade 11 have attempted a minimum of 3 postsecondary credit hours toward a workforce-recognized credential, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree at the partner institution
    • Students completing grade 12 have successfully completed a minimum of 12 postsecondary credit hours toward a workforce-recognized credential, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree at the partner institution
  • Review of key performance indicators (KPIs) related to student access, participation, academic progress, credential attainment, postsecondary readiness, and equitable outcomes.

The annual review process is intended to support implementation planning, continuous improvement, and long-term program success aligned to ECHS program expectations and state requirements.

Programs demonstrating strong implementation and positive student outcomes may continue operation under the approved designation period.

When program review identifies implementation challenges or areas requiring additional support, PED will collaborate with schools to develop a Continuous Improvement Plan focused on strengthening systems, addressing identified needs, and supporting ongoing program success. Technical assistance and implementation support will be provided throughout the improvement process.

The documents below are all downloadable. Please download the applications to complete and return to Jennifer Amis at Jennifer.Amis@p2c.org. 

Timeline for 2025-26 Application: Click Here

2025-26 ECHS Designation Application: Click Here

Application Quick Guide: Click Here

2025-26 Exemplary Application: Click Here

Exemplary Designation Application Quick Guide: Click Here