By Julie Gomez
New doors are opening to Lubbock students, who will have a chance to earn both a high school diploma and up to 60 college credit hours without paying tuition.
The Lubbock Independent School District and Texas Tech’s College of Education signed an articulation agreement on Nov. 19, making Estacado High School the first Early College High School campus in Lubbock. There already are 16 other Early College High School campuses in West Texas, including in Midland, Shallowater and Odessa.
LISD is excited to offer students and their families a chance at college education at no cost, said Tammy Edmonson, the district’s director of counseling and college/career readiness.
Early College High Schools is a state initiative created in 2005 for students who are at risk of not graduating from high school. Low-income youth, English-language learners, students of color and other members of groups underrepresented in higher education can simultaneously earn a high school diploma and an associate’s degree or up to two years toward a bachelor’s degree.
The program is selective because Early College High School students must meet higher standards than those who attend a regular high school. Enrolled students take on a full load of college classes, which replace many of the regular high school classes.
Students typically apply in the eighth grade and undergo an interview with several teachers. The faculty then choose the students they believe are most likely to succeed.
Lindsey Pinkerton, a senior seminar teacher at Early College High School at Midland College, said students selected to participate in the intensive program are “incredibly hard-working.”
“I think that is what sets them apart,” she said.
Students do get help along the way. Pinkerton is responsible for helping them get organized and learn “life-after-high-school” skills.
“It begins with being successful in their college classes,” she said. “A senior seminar support teacher keeps a giant college calendar in the classroom and records all assignments and due dates to help seniors stay up-to-date. Organization, planners, and grades are checked weekly to keep students accountable and responsible.”
What also sets the program apart is that Early College students help their communities. LaQuisha Wilson, registrar at East Early College High School in Houston, said they are required to put in 25 hours of service each year.
“Most of our students do much more,” she added.
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