2025 Early College Summit: Full Schedule

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8:00am EDT

Registration & Breakfast

Tuesday June 10, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Winston 1 Foyer

Tuesday June 10, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Winston 1 Foyer

9:00am EDT

Opening Session & Keynote Address

Tuesday June 10, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Winston Ballroom

Speakers

Dr. De McKenzie

Manager, Education Research, RTI International

Dr. Demond “De” McKenzie is an expert in education and leadership development with over 20 years of experience. Currently he serves as an education consultant and leadership coach for RTI’s Education Services team, where he leads design and facilitation of professional development... Read More →

Donovon Livingston

Teaching Assistant Professor; Director of College Thriving, UNC College of Arts & Sciences

Donovan Livingston is an award-winning educator, spoken word poet, and public speaker. In 2016, his Harvard Graduate School of Education convocation address “Lift Off” went viral, reaching over thirteen million views and prompting Hillary Clinton to praise, “It’s young graduates like [Livingston] who make it clear that America’s best days are still ahead.” Since his pivotal speech, Livingston has been featured on CNN, NPR, BBC, Good... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Winston Ballroom

10:45am EDT

Developing Partnerships with 9-14 Pathways

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Winston 1B

The Perkins V, Career & Technical Education Act supports programs that bridge high school and postsecondary education to prepare students for careers in various fields. This session will explore the elements for colleges to strengthen their 9-14 pathways while expanding enrollment opportunities and increasing completion rates. Discussion topics will include information on expanding Career and College Promise pathways, credit for prior learning, dual-credit, articulation agreements, work-based learning, career advising, career coaching, and much more!

Speakers

Aaron Mabe

State Director of Dual Enrollment, NC Community College System Office

Dr. Jennifer McLean

Associate Director of Student Support Services/Director of Basic Needs, NC Community College System Office

Dr. Mary Olvera

State Director Education Programs & Special Populations, NC Community College System Office

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Winston 1B

Innovative Instructional Practice, Post-Secondary Success

10:45am EDT

Launch The Year with Student Leadership LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Salem 1B

Do you want to help your students become the leaders they were made to be? Join Stuart and KeJuan, from Appointed to Lead, to explore two leadership development activities perfect for launching the school year in any course. These collaborative challenges will help inspire students to believe they can lead and equip them to lead effectively. Additionally, we will explore a research based leadership framework you can use to support student leadership development throughout the year.

Speakers

Stuart Gordon

Founder, Appointed to Lead

After 10 years in the classroom, Stuart founded Appointed to Lead motivated by a passion for providing high quality leadership development instruction to high school students. Appointed to Lead seeks to help every student become the leader they were made to be by inspiring, equipping... Read More →

KeJuan Weaver

Regional Director, Appointed to Lead

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Salem 1B

Innovative Instructional Practice, Partnerships for Authentic Learning

10:45am EDT

Place-Based Education: Fostering Engagement, Community, Connections, and Character LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Winston 3A

CELL at UIndy launched a PBE initiative with 18 rural Indiana schools where they created projects in their communities. Several of these teacher’s projects have received the National Signature Project Award and/or the Grants in Place Fellows from the Rural Schools Collaborative.

The value of PBE goes beyond making connections with the community. It also addresses character education, helping the students intuitively understand the importance of empathy and compassion for others while directly guiding them through inquiry and research.

CELL’s approach to PBE is to show educators how to leverage community to engage students. In this session, participants will consider approaches to PBE: explore, ideate and plan their own projects.

Speakers

Krista Hensley

Project coordinator, CELL

Janet Boyle

Director of the Rural Early College Network (RECN)-CELL, CELL

Janet serves as the director of the Rural Early College Network (RECN) at CELL. RECN is a federal EIR grant project that involves 20 rural Indiana high schools that are implementing the Early College model. Prior to this role, Janet served as CELL’s Director of Early College, Assistant... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Winston 3A

Innovative Instructional Practice, Partnerships for Authentic Learning

10:45am EDT

How to Reduce Financial Aid Confusion So Your Students Can Go To College LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Winston 1A

Research continues to show that students/families find financial aid confusing, and it's a barrier to college. In this session we'll look at NCSEAA research findings to explore how to communicate in a way that reduces confusion so that students can access the funds they qualify for.

Speakers

Kathy Hastings

Director for Outreach and Communications, North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority

Kathy Hastings is the Director for Outreach and Communications with the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, the agency that administers state scholarships for students to attend college in NC. In this role she helps mobilize partners around FAFSA completion and... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Winston 1A

Post-Secondary Success, Partnerships for Authentic Learning

10:45am EDT

Preparing NYC Public School Students for Careers: From College Now to Career-Connected Learning LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Winston 3B

From College Now (40+ years old) to Future Ready NYC (3 years old), New York City Public Schools - in collaboration with a multitude of college partners - has created transformative opportunities for students to have access not only to post-secondary education in high school but also a number of ways to deeply explore career interests. This session will showcase how the Office of Student Pathways works to support over 500 middle and high schools to ensure all students are prepared for a of post-secondary options.

Speakers

Raisa Schwanbeck

Director, New York City Public Schools

Aneal Helms

Senior Director, New York City Public Schools

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Winston 3B

Post-Secondary Success, Innovative Instructional Practice

10:45am EDT

Unlocking the Potential of Early College Programs: Strategies for District-Level Leadership LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Salem 1A

Join us for an engaging session for district leaders to explore the transformative power of the Early College model. Early college offers an innovative approach to provide first-generation and other students with access to high-quality instruction and increased college attainment. However, implementing and supporting these programs comes with its own set of challenges. In this session, district leaders will have the opportunity to discuss these unique challenges and learn from experienced early college leaders. Discover how strong leadership and collaboration with other schools and districts can enhance early college programs and drive student success.

Speakers

Dr. Frank McKay

Education Consultant, RTI International

Frank leads RTI’s strategy for the development and support of education networks. He brings extensive experience working with early college high schools as the director of the North Carolina Early College Network (ECN), and the new national Early College Leaders Network (ECLN... Read More →

Dr. De McKenzie

Manager, Education Research, RTI International

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Salem 1A

Professional Collaboration & Shared Leadership, Innovative Instructional Practice

10:45am EDT

Bridging the Gap: Enhancing First-Generation College Students’ Access Through an Early College Application Support Model LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Winston 1C

This session delves into the Early College Application Support Model developed at Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy, which was specifically designed to increase First-Generation College Students' (FGCS) completion rates of early college applications. Participants will gain insight into the structured, hands-on approach that addresses common barriers such as lack of awareness, insufficient guidance, and limited resources. The model leverages strategic interventions, including one-on-one mentorship and application workshops to create a pathway for success. Through interactive discussions and practical tools, attendees will leave equipped to implement a tailored support system for FGCS in their own schools or districts.

Speakers

Xavier King

Principal, Wake Young Menâ€™s Leadership Academy

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Winston 1C

Research & Impact, Professional Collaboration & Shared Leadership

10:45am EDT

Personalized Pathways: How to Bridge Student Needs through High School Partnerships LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Winston 3C

Explore how Yavapai College Early College Programs create customized pathways to meet the individual needs of students while fostering strong, collaborative partnerships with high schools. By focusing on personalized student support and community engagement, Yavapai College ensures that every student is set up for postsecondary success. Attendees will gain insights into how to tailor academic advising, leverage partnerships with local high schools, and implement innovative instructional strategies and program models to create an impactful, student-centered early college experience. Also, explore how to dive deeper into school districts and learn how to expand college partnerships into middle schools and elementary schools.

Speakers

Meghan Paquette

Director of Early College & Promise Programs, Yavapai College

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Winston 3C

Support for Social-Emotional Learning, Partnerships for Authentic Learning

12:00pm EDT

Networking Lunch & Team Time LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Winston Ballroom

Tuesday June 10, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Winston Ballroom

1:15pm EDT

From OWL CON to OWL FEST: How CECHS Integrates Durable Skills

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Salem 1B

Craven Early College High School is committed to developing self-directed lifelong learners who can thrive in the classroom, workplace, and beyond. Attend this session to find out how we embed targeted experiential learning activities within our school day and leverage community partnerships throughout our school year so that students consistently deepen their command of the Portrait of a Graduate Competencies.

Speakers

Dr. Marlow Artis

Principal, Craven Early College High School

Dr. Marlow Artis is the proud principal of Craven Early College High School. He also works to elevate teacher voice in North Carolina as the Creator and Executive Producer for the multifaceted educational platform, Tar Heel Teachers. There are several synergetic components of Tar... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Salem 1B

Innovative Instructional Practice, Post-Secondary Success

1:15pm EDT

NYU’s Approach to Launching Equitable Pathways for College & Career Success LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Winston 3B

NYU SPS is paving a clearer path from high school to college to the workforce. Join this session to learn how NYU SPS's Launching Leaders Early College model is increasing access to free, early college credits for NY students with disproportionately less access to higher education and mid- to high-wage careers.

Speakers

Ally Margolis

College Liaison, New York University

Dr. Candice Clawson

Senior Director, Workplace Learning Innovation Lab, NYU School of Professional Studies

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Winston 3B

Innovative Instructional Practice, Post-Secondary Success

1:15pm EDT

Challenging Concepts of the 'Most Capable': Rethinking Selection Criteria for Early College LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Winston 1B

This session will encourage educators to rethink traditional selection criteria for early college high school admissions, broadening definitions of student potential. We will critically examine how reliance on narrow indicators like test scores and GPA may perpetuate inequities and overlook students with diverse strengths. Participants will explore alternative, holistic models that incorporate socio-emotional skills, creativity, resilience, and passion for learning. The session will highlight how such approaches can increase access to early college programs for underrepresented or marginalized students, fostering more equitable opportunities for all.

Speakers

Connie Bracewell

Teacher, Duplin Early College High School

Felicia Beddingfield

Teacher, Duplin Early College High School

I am a second-year BT as a Secondary Social Studies Teacher. In 2010, I began as a substitute teacher, and in October 2011, I was hired full-time as an Instructional Assistant. Currently, I teach Civics and Economics (The Founding Principles of the United States of America and North... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Winston 1B

Post-Secondary Success, Professional Collaboration & Shared Leadership

1:15pm EDT

Early College on the Transcript: Representation, Perception, and Impact LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Winston 3A

This interactive workshop will explore the impact of Early College courses on high school transcripts and their implications for college admissions. Participants will discuss how these courses are graded, listed on transcripts, and the role of high school profiles in communicating Early College experiences. Key questions include: How do colleges view these courses in admissions? What challenges arise in GPA calculations? How can schools ensure accurate representation? Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how transcript practices influence student opportunities.

Speakers

Amie Capodanno

College Liaison, Waltham High School

I am working as Waltham’s Early College Program Manager, taking on their 3rd year of designation. I support the teachers and students as we build a college-going culture within our walls. Previously, I was at Salem High School for five years, and I had the opportunity to gain... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Winston 3A

Post-Secondary Success, Professional Collaboration & Shared Leadership

1:15pm EDT

Using Early College to Build Post-Secondary Success LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Winston 3C

This workshop will focus on key Designation criteria used to determine MA Early College (EC) Designation, with a focus on how the criteria were developed to diminish equity disparities in college enrollment, persistence, and degree completion in MA. Learn more on how MA EC Designated programs are centered on five guiding principles (Equitable Access, Guided Academic Pathways, Enhanced Student Supports, Connections to Career, and Effective Partnerships) and how student participants receive enhanced academic and guidance support prior to beginning, and during, college coursework, as well as additional "college knowledge" to ensure that they not successfully complete college coursework in high school but thrive in the college environment.

Speakers

Danielle Wheeler

Program Director of MA Early College, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Chinna Mapp

MA Early College Program Manager, MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Winston 3C

Post-Secondary Success, Innovative Instructional Practice

1:15pm EDT

Small School PLCs: Engaging Singleton Teachers in Meaningful Collaboration to Impact Student Learning LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Salem 1C

The traditional PLC model often falls short in small schools where singleton teachers lack shared courses for collaboration. This session introduces a tailored PLC framework that upholds the core guiding questions while fitting the unique context of small schools. Participants will explore interdisciplinary approaches, identify their students’ academic needs, and design a PLC structure that fosters collaboration across content areas. School teams will leave with practical strategies to ensure meaningful professional learning and student success, even in the absence of shared courses.

Speakers

Dr. Caroline Sanchez

Principal, Cumberland International

Angela Williams

Assistant Principal, Cumberland International

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Salem 1C

Professional Collaboration & Shared Leadership, Innovative Instructional Practice

1:15pm EDT

Leaving and Staying in the Early College: Research and Implications LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Winston 1A

Approximately 13% of NC’s early college students leave in 9th or 10th grade (ranging from 3% to 38%). The Early College Research Center looked at the impact of the early college on students who leave in 9th or 10th grade and students who stay through 11th grade. Our research suggests negative impacts for early college leavers and positive impacts for stayers —particularly for low-income students and students who are members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. This session will look at the research; participants will discuss the implications for student selection and strategies for keeping students in the early college.

Speakers

Julie Edmunds

Director, Early College Research Center, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Dr. Julie Edmunds is Director of the Early College Research Center at the University of North Carolina at Greensborowhere she leads a team of researchers looking at early college, dual enrollment, career pathways, and postsecondaryaccess and success. She has been studying early college... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Winston 1A

Research & Impact, Post-Secondary Success

1:15pm EDT

Every Mind Matters, Creating Workplaces and Communities Where Every Person Thrives LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Winston 3C

Redefining mental health literacy by integrating inclusive strategies that prioritize informed, diverse, and personalized approaches. By implementing these strategies, organizations can foster a thriving workplace culture where every individual feels empowered to advocate for their mental well-being. The session will address how to break down stigma, promote awareness, and establish effective policies that support a truly inclusive environment, enabling employees to thrive both personally and professionally.

Speakers

Nora Plambeck

Founder, Certified ADHD Coach, Speaker ,Educator, Agile Mindfulness

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Winston 3C

Support for Social-Emotional Learning, Innovative Instructional Practice

1:15pm EDT

Seminar: An Approach to Academic Support and Social Emotional Learning LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Winston 1C

In this showcase, attendees will learn about the Seminar Program that is implemented at the Early College of Forsyth in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This program was created to provide academic support for students as they navigate completing their high school and college courses. In the past five years, the program has added social-emotional learning as a component of the curriculum to support the whole student. The presenter will highlight the curriculum that has been created for students’ Sophomore year.

Speakers

Katie Rainey

Teacher, Early College of Forsyth County

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Winston 1C

Support for Social-Emotional Learning, Innovative Instructional Practice

2:30pm EDT

Counselors Networking Session LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

Winston 1C

The power of any network lies in building strong connections among members. During this role-alike networking session, join peers and colleagues to connect around role-alike discussion of topics important to your work in the early college ecosystem through a facilitated networking conversation.

Moderators

Ivy Mack

Manager, Education Research, RTI International

Ivy Mack is an education consultant at RTI International whose expertise includes school-based mental health and multi-tiered systems of support. She began her career over 15 years ago as a special education teacher and counselor in Virginia and North Carolina. While teaching, she... Read More →

Amelia Massengill-McLeod

Education Consultant, RTI International

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT
Winston 1C

Role Alike Networking, Professional Collaboration & Shared Leadership

2:30pm EDT

Higher Education & College Liaisons Networking Session LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

Winston 1A

Speakers

Dr. De McKenzie

Manager, Education Research, RTI International

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT
Winston 1A

Role Alike Networking, Professional Collaboration & Shared Leadership

2:30pm EDT

Humanities Teachers & Instructional Coaches Networking Session LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

Winston 3A

Speakers

Todd Campbell

Education Consultant, RTI International

Todd Campbell has more than fifteen years of professional experience in K-12 education, working with teachers and administrators to build the essential knowledge and skill sets required to challenge and support students. As an expert in professional learning, he leads the customized... Read More →

Brian Corey

Education Consultant, RTI International

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT
Winston 3A

Role Alike Networking, Professional Collaboration & Shared Leadership

2:30pm EDT

School, Program, & District Leaders Networking Session

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

Winston 1B

Speakers

Dr. Frank McKay

Education Consultant, RTI International

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT
Winston 1B

Role Alike Networking, Professional Collaboration & Shared Leadership

2:30pm EDT

STEM Teachers & Instructional Coaches Networking Session LIMITED

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

Winston 3B

Moderators

Ashley Allen

Education Consultant, RTI International

Nicole Mills

Education Consultant, RTI International

Nicole Mills is a research education analyst in RTI’s Education and Workforce Development division. She has expertise in elementary literacy, curriculum and instruction, and professional development. Before joining RTI, she served for 10 years as a classroom teacher, remediation... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT
Winston 3B

Role Alike Networking, Professional Collaboration & Shared Leadership

4:00pm EDT

Team Time

Tuesday June 10, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

Winston Ballroom

Tuesday June 10, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Winston Ballroom

5:00pm EDT

Networking Mixer

Tuesday June 10, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT

Winston 1 Foyer

Join us for networking with colleagues along with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, games, music, and cash bar!

Tuesday June 10, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Winston 1 Foyer