Graduate Student Research Symposium 2025

This study investigates the support structures for Early College students transitioning beyond the program into higher education, focusing on both K-12 and higher education institutions. Despite the demonstrated success of the Early College Program in facilitating the transition between high school and college, knowledge about the ongoing support for alums is limited. This literature review examines the effects of accelerated learning on various constructs, including social, emotional, mental, and cultural factors, in addition to academic performance. A comparative analysis of program structures and the experiences of these Early College Programs in the United States identifies strategies for enhancing student engagement and support in higher education, such as increasing mental health awareness, aligning with other college prep programs, and community legislative support. Each Early College program is tailored to meet the specific needs of its students. While the structure, demographics, and experiences may differ, the programs share common goals. Student development and challenges often follow similar patterns, regardless of their backgrounds. This emphasizes the necessity of creating a safe and welcoming learning environment and the importance of student services in building meaningful connections with students.