The Early College Pathways Program and Student Success

Early College Pathways Program and Student Success Presentation

The Early College Pathways Program

   I selected my research completed with the The Early College Pathways program that I help to manage. The Early College Pathways program is a partnership between the local community college and school district to allow students to earn high school and college credit simultaneously, in order to graduate with a high school diploma and a college associate's degree. There are three degree tracks for students to choose from. They are the Associate in Science, General Education, Associate of Applied Science, Medical Assisting Technology, and Associate of Technology, Welding. The goal of this program is to have students graduate and ready to enter the college or the workforce. 

    The first associate's degree allows students to complete their prerequisite courses and seek to complete a bachelor's degree in a specific field. This degree is fully transferable in the state of Alabama via the Alabama Transfers agreement. This pathway is the most popular among program participants, especially if they are considering obtaining a certification or licensure in a baccalaureate field. 



 The second degree track allows students to graduate with an AAS in Medical Assisting Technology. This is advantageous to students that want to work in the medical field, but do not want to become a doctor or nurse. This pathway is also a fantastic choice if a student wants to work full time while attending a higher institution to obtain a separate bachelor's degree. 

    


Finally, the third degree track is an associate's degree of technology in welding. This degree is by far the most lucrative coming out of high school. Many students that graduate with this degree begin their careers by making $14-16 per hour and are likely to see upwards of $21 per hour. Welding is a highly skilled trade field that has the ability to find employment in just about any industry. In addition to this degree, students also receive an MSSC certification certifying that they have completed manufacturing safety courses outlined by the Manufactured Skills Standard Council. 

    Early College Pathways Program Research

During my research with this program, I studied the effects of the program on student success. Student success, within the confines of the research, was defined as successful student completion of their chosen program and it's requirements or positive academic effects or dispositions directly related to participation in the program. 

    Overall, students reported a positive experience while completing the program and saw growth in time management and work efficiency skills. Some student noted areas of growth for the program were to include a scholarship or payment plan for books and materials while in the program and to offer this partnership to other local school districts in the area.

In conclusion, the Alabama General Studies Committee has made it possible for this partnership to become a reality. With credits easily transferable to other higher institutions in Alabama and students able to graduate ready to enter their career field, the possibilities of this program are endless. I look forward to the expansion of this program in the future.


References: 

the Alabama General Studies Committee. (n.d.). Get the guide. Alabama Transfers. https://alabamatransfers.com/

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