Early College High School Initiative Gains Momentum with 46 Schools

In 2002, several prominent foundations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, joined forces with Jobs for the Future to launch the Early College High School (ECHS) Initiative.

The Initiative is a $120 million project designed to integrate grades 9-14 by providing students with dual enrollment opportunities- a chance to earn two years of college credit before finishing high school. With 46 schools in operation and more projected to open, roughly 6800 U.S. high school students will be enrolled in ECHS by 2012. The Initiative draws on existing academic research that with proper support, all, not just top performing, high school students are capable of attaining a post-secondary education.

The Jobs for the Future Report, "Integrating Grades 9-14," highlights state policies that support dual enrollment and other ECHS efforts:

To view the report visit: http://www.jff.org/jff/PDFDocuments/Integrating9to14.pdf.