Overview

A student studies literature at Tulalip Heritage High School.
Photo credit: Jerry Davis

When the CNE began its role as an intermediary in the early college high schools national initiative, it was impossible to predict just how deeply our schools successes would reverberate throughout the communities they serve and beyond.

Today, not only is the network of early colleges for Native youth expanding, but so are the variety of programming and resources the Center offers educators in Indian Country.

CNE Programs 2002-2007

CNE Program	Early College High Schools	New Path	Making College the Norm
Model Description	A secondary model that blends Native culture, college and high school so students can earn diplomas and two years of college credits. Tribal members determine cultural curriculum, outcomes and serve as site leaders.	An intergenerational, community-based model for adults and adolescents to learn together at early college high schools.	A grades 6-14 pipeline that links middle schools, high schools, and community colleges to increase Native student higher education access.
Funders	Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation W.K. Kellogg Foundation	Lumina Foundation for Education	College Spark Foundation
Geographic Reach	National - 12 schools in AK, CA, NM, OR and WA. Expansion targets 121 sites in charter-friendly states.	National - 3 sites in 2 states with plans for 40 in 9 states.	Statewide (Washington state only)
Results	At the 8 schools open for 1 to 4 years, dramatic gains are evident in student attendance, state test scores, graduation, and college access.	140 adults and adolescents have taken college classes together with 83% retention and 8 to 20 credits each.	6 middle schools, 6 high schools and 6 colleges are creating agreements to serve 600 students.