Challenge Early College Information Page

In 2003, a collaborative effort between Houston Community College-Southwest’s West Loop Campus (HCC-SW) and Houston Independent School District (HISD) began in order to offer to a specific student population the opportunity to earn college credit while still attending high school. According to the Early College Initiative Program’s web site, “Early College High Schools focus on students for whom a smooth transition into postsecondary education is now problematic: low-income students, students of color, English Language learners, and first-generation college goers.”

In July 2003, the Houston Independent School District, Houston Community College Systems and Houston A+ Challenge jointly created the Challenge Early College High School (CECHS). This unique school is specifically designed to provide students the opportunity to begin college after the tenth or during the eleventh grade. The school redefines the typical comprehensive high school experience in a small school setting housed on a community college campus. This program enables students to move progress [sic] in five years from the ninth grade through the first two years of college in five years, earning the associate of arts (A.A.) degree.

It is my wish that we, at HCC-SW can make this collaboration work. I have provided the following links in order to give you as much information as possible about the CEC. I have also established a list serv at challenge@swc2.hccs.edu so that I can provide information and updates throughout the semester and so that faculty will have a forum in which to share their experiences with the CEC.

Thanks!

Ruth Dunn, Instructor of Sociology and HCC-CEC Faculty Liaison—HCC-SW

• Introductory Letter
• First Week Information
• Challenge Early College Guidebook for HCC-SW Faculty
• FAQ
•  Contact List
• Some Valuable Links
• A Picture of Ruth Dunn