One of the most effective recruitment strategies in Early College programs is building intentional partnerships with middle school counselors. These counselors are often the most trusted adults during a student’s transition to high school, yet they are not always included in conversations about pathways, dual credit, or graduation requirements.
In my own experience recruiting for ECHS programs, involving middle school counselors made an immediate difference. They helped identify students who were ready for early college opportunities, introduced our team to families, and provided consistent information across the school community. Many middle school teachers and counselors do not regularly work with high school credit requirements or dual credit expectations, so this collaboration fills an important knowledge gap before students make enrollment decisions.
A powerful approach is to invite counselors for a brief site visit and focused training session. Seeing the ECHS environment firsthand helps them better understand the expectations, supports, and opportunities students will encounter. During these visits, we can clarify common misconceptions, explain high school credit structures, and walk through New Mexico’s ECHS guiding principles. This also creates space to talk about characteristics of students who tend to benefit most from early college experiences. Rather than narrowing who is encouraged to apply, this training helps counselors broaden access by recognizing potential in students who might not yet see themselves as “college ready.”
When counselors feel confident in their understanding of the program, they are more likely to share accurate information with teachers and families, which leads to wider and more equitable recruitment.
What do your feeder middle schools understand about your ECHS mission, your pathways, and the expectations students will encounter once they enroll?
—Retired Principal of a Thriving Early College High School