Early College Alliance (sm)
The Early College Alliance (ECA) is a unique educational program designed to fully immerse high school-aged students into the post-secondary learning environment. The ECA expects high achievement and realistic planning from all students. ECA students finish high school with a combination of their prior high school classes (if applicable), ECA high school classes, and Eastern Michigan University coursework. Beginning in their 10th or 11th grade year, and upon successfully demonstrating the academic and “soft skills” necessary to succeed in college, ECA students have the opportunity to earn up to 60 EMU credits—the tuition and books paid for by the program.
Successful ECA students must be willing to take responsibility for their own effort, education, and behavior. There are no bells, hall monitors, or daily announcements to keep them on track. At both the Early College Alliance and Eastern Michigan University there are many requirements and deadlines for students to meet and be responsible for. Students are expected to learn how to make smart, sound choices that benefit their learning and success in life. Students learn how to monitor their own educational progress, advocate for their unique learning needs, and successfully negotiate their way through the post-secondary environment.
Early College Alliance Academy
The Early College Alliance Academy (ECA2 or Academy) is a 9th grade program designed to prepare students for the rigors of the Early College Alliance (ECA). The Academy expects developmentally appropriate, high achievement of both academic and soft skills from all students. Academy students will generally be restricted from enrolling in university courses during their 9th grade year and will move as a single cohort through the 9th grade experience. Academy students will begin the process of developing the skills needed to successfully transition into the standard ECA program in their 10th grade year, where they will continue as indicated in their individualized Educational Development Plans.
Successful Academy students will learn to take responsibility for their own effort, education, and behavior. There are no bells, hall monitors, or daily intercom announcements to direct. Students are expected to learn how to make smart, sound choices that benefit their learning and success in life, and are taught the tools and skills needed to succeed in self-monitoring.
The ECA Way: Mission, Vision, Values
At the ECA, we emphasize access to college for all, recognizing the special role of the early college reform movement in facilitating this access for all students—particularly those traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
Our program is built on the principles of innovation, critical and reflective practice, and high expectations for students and staff alike.
Key features of the ECA include the direct teaching and learning of soft skills, mastery learning, flexible programming, choice theory, and strong partnerships with our public school districts and Eastern Michigan University.
VISION: The vision of the ECA is to bridge the gap between high school and college, enhancing life outcomes while fostering a democratic society.
MISSION: The mission of the ECA is to empower high school students from diverse backgrounds to earn up to 60 university credits towards a Bachelor's Degree.
VALUES: The values of the ECA are Social Justice, Strong & Supportive Relationships, Diversity, Growth Mindset, & Individualized Pathways.