Early College Academy

The participating 25 juniors and 25 seniors who pursue the Early College Academy pathway simultaneously earn a high school diploma plus an associate’s degree, a career-area credential or a certificate at no cost. In partnership with Iowa Western Community College and with the support of a dedicated Early College Academy advisor, students attend all high school and college classes on the college campus while still enjoying the high school experience through clubs, athletics and other extracurriculars. 

Consider Applying    **See the Application Process on the Left**

The Early College Academy is seeking interested sophomores who are on-track to graduate to enroll for the Academy for their junior and senior years. This eligibility requirement is important to be able to earn the 2-year degree or certificate in two years on the Iowa Western Community College Campus. Enrollment is limited to 25 participants and is granted on a competitive basis and through a student application process. A complete application consists of the following:

•  Completed IWCC Concurrent Enrollment Application found in guidance counselor's office
•  Submission of a minimum of three recommendations
•  Completed Online Application for ECA
•  Submission of Essay
•  Signed Release of Records Form
•  Signed Parent Responsibility Form. 
•  Completed Open Enrollment Request Form for non-district students

Requirements

Students enrolled in the Early College Academy will complete a two-year plan detailing both high school and college courses necessary to graduate on time.  In addition, students will complete both Career Exploration Concurrent Enrollment and IWCC Ready Concurrent Enrollment while on campus to develop a career plan and provide guidance in study skills, ACT preparation, college planning, and scholarship application.

Academy students earning the necessary college credits while completing the required 48 high school credits will receive their high school diploma and their Associates degree or certificate/credential at the end of their senior year.  

Timeline

August of Sophomore year - all students and parents will receive a letter providing basic information about the ECA.

September of Sophomore year - all students and parents will receive an invitation to attend an information night at their high school in order to learn more about ECA.

October of Sophomore year - ECA Coordinator will host information nights at both high schools in order for students and parents to learn more about the program, eligibility, benefits, and application process.

December 15th of Sophomore year - application to ECA is due and must include:

● Complete IWCC Concurrent Enrollment application
● Submit a minimum of three recommendations 
● Submit essay
● Release of records form
● Parent responsibility form

January of Sophomore year - Application packets and recommendation forms will be reviewed and evaluated. Admission interviews will also begin for students who meet minimum standards.

January of Sophomore year - students will receive admissions decision. 

June of Sophomore year - A New Student Registration and Orientation session will be held at Iowa Western Community College for all new ECA members. At this meeting, new ECA students will learn about IWCC, college life, and receive a brief tour of the campus. New students will also enroll in their fall classes. Current ECA seniors will be available to assist the incoming juniors in making their class selections and will explain the Associate Degree and high school requirements. Students should bring a photo ID since they will be receiving their college ID card. 

June and July of sophomore year - New Early College Academy students will attend activities with their cohort designed to prepare them for life on campus and develop the skills necessary to take on the rigors of the college experience.     

August- Beginning of Junior year - First fall semester coursework begins. ECA students are on the IWCC campus full-time for their coursework their junior and senior years. Students may return to their high school for extracurricular activities. ECA students attend summer classes after their junior year unless they have summer research or internship opportunities.