Integrated

high schools

to start

DANIELSON — One of two new integrated high school and college programs that will launch in the fall of 2015 joins Quinebaug Valley Community College, Windham High School, and the Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance in a partnership designed to offer students a head start on success in their post-secondary education and future careers.

The Connecticut Early College Opportunity (CT-ECO) programs, modeled after IBM’s much heralded Pathways in Technology Early College High School programs, will allow students to earn as associate degree in addition to a high school diploma. By aligning K-12, college, and the workforce, the program will feature an integrated curriculum of high school and college courses along with a workplace learning course that focuses on industry soft skills necessary for success and growth across all career fields.

“CT-ECO integrates real-world workplace experiences, meaningful mentorships, and rigorous academics,” said Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor, “an approach that makes sense and should be expanded.”

The Eastern CT-ECO programs in Windham and New London will enable students to earn degrees in the field of advanced manufacturing, where demand for middle-skilled well-paying jobs is growing. Students will also be paired with an industry mentor, who will provide them with valuable insight into how their high school education applies to the real life demands of the workplace.

The goal is to enroll 50-100 students in each location and add similar numbers each consecutive year. Students will be selected to participate through a lottery-based system. Once enrolled, the Windham High School students will also be considered students at QVCC.

QVCC President Carlee Drummer is excited about the new initiative and the opportunity for the college to be “at the forefront of a pioneering vision for public education.” She added, “QVCC is proud to be a partner in this dynamic initiative that will transform lives in northeast Connecticut.”