Welcome to CUNY Early College High Schools Program.

CUNY Early College (EC) creates, grows, and supports high schools committed to early college programs and college readiness outcomes for traditionally underrepresented students in higher education. We support strong outcomes for early college schools through professional development for high school teachers and leaders and oversight of campus partnerships. Our network of schools is one of the nation’s largest early college networks, enabling high school students to earn an associate’s degree or up to two years of college credits at no cost.

Smart Scholars Early College High School

Through the Smart Scholars Early College High School Program, institutions of higher education (IHEs) partner with public school districts to create early college high schools that provide students with the opportunity and preparation to accelerate the completion of their high school studies while earning a minimum of twenty-four but up to sixty transferable college credits at the same time.

This program is targeted to students who are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education. Students receive additional academic support from the school/college partnerships to ensure they are at grade level and ready to participate in rigorous high school and collegiate courses. This “dual or concurrent enrollment” program serves to increase high school graduation and college completion rates while reducing student tuition costs as a result of the compressed time needed to complete a college degree.

Why Choose CUNY EARLY COLLEGE?

• Earn college credits for free while still in high school, reducing future college costs.
• Get a head start on a college degree, which can help students graduate from college earlier.
• Experience real college coursework, making the transition to college smoother and less intimidating.
• Improve academic skills such as critical thinking, time management, and study habits.
• Increase college readiness and confidence by learning in a college-level environment.
• Access CUNY resources such as libraries, academic support, and college advisors.
• Strengthen college applications by demonstrating success in rigorous courses.
• Explore potential career and academic interests before graduating from high school.
• Save time and money by completing credits that may count toward a future degree.
• Build a network of peers, professors, and mentors who can support future educational goals.