East Williamson County Higher Education Center/TCAT, Hutto and Taylor School Districts Partner to Offer Early College High School for Rising 9th Graders
An exciting opportunity is on the horizon for selected rising ninth graders who attend Hutto and Taylor School Districts. Beginning in the summer 2007 selected ninth graders will have their first taste of college life, as they will attend a two-week summer academy that will prepare them for the rigors of college work while they are still in high school.

The Early College High School is an exciting opportunity for students beginning ninth grade to participate in a combined high school and college experience with the goal of earning a high school diploma and college associate degree at the same time.

Most courses for the selected ninth graders will be taught on the TCAT campus tuition free. Bus transportation is included. The curriculum will be challenging but support services plentiful and family involvement encouraged as a necessity according to Mr. Richard Kolek Principal of the Early College High School initiative. By taking advantage of the college's resources, laboratories, and faculties from both education environments, and by using technology and non-traditional instructional strategies students will be more engaged in the learning process.

Why the Early College High School?
Recognizing the need for East Williamson County to foster a more educated workforce to meet the demands of our changing economy inspired the creation of this innovative partnership with Taylor and Hutto ISD’s and East Williamson County Higher Education Center/TCAT. Our communities will increase the number of first generation college graduates, equipping them with the education and experience they need to succeed in life and family-supporting careers. With the support of a grant and involvement of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Texas Education Agency and Texas High School Project the Knowledge Works Foundation, and individuals from our communities, the Early College model was adopted.

Who's eligible?
A number of criteria will be considered such as school attendance, school discipline history, grades and motivation. The population of the high school will mirror the demographics of the school districts served. Two important factors will also be considered:

-First-generation college students (Parents do not have a college degree)
-Students must be entering the ninth grade

The Mission of Early College High School
The Early College High School will genuinely engage first-generation college-bound students to complete a rigorous curriculum, supported by technology that is clearly aligned to student interest and state standards. Flexible coursework will be provided in a challenging and supportive environment with an applied learning focus that provides students a structure that enables them to earn their high school diploma and to overlap those efforts with those needed to earn an associate degree, leading to a bachelor degree and employment.

Accept the Challenge!
Students who accept the Early College High School challenge can enjoy these rewards:
• The opportunity to earn a two-year associate degree while working toward a high school diploma.
• Momentum toward achieving your four-year degree.
• Cost savings by eliminating two years of a college education.
• A relaxed and controlled introduction to college life.
• The advantages of a small, supportive learning environment.
• State-of-the-art college environment; laboratories, interactive distance learning classrooms, computer labs, library/learning resource center, performing arts center, recreational facilities and outstanding faculty.

For more information
If you want to learn more about this unique opportunity for students transitioning from eighth grade to high school, please call East Williamson County Higher Education Center Early College High School or contact Taylor or Hutto school districts for upcoming Parent – Students information sessions scheduled for April 2007.

Early College High School Contact Information

East Williamson County Higher Education Center
Early College High School: 512.365.2787

Hutto School District
Mr. Ben Carson: 512.759.3771

Taylor School District
Ms. Kim Mason: 512.365.1291

Mr. Richard Kolek, Principal
Early College High School: 512.365.2787