In addition to SECME K-12 programs in 18 states, the District of Columbia and the Bahamas, SECME partners with other STEM and postsecondary access partners in the following initiatives:

SECME was proud and honored to be selected as a partner in a bold, exciting education effort that was formally announced in March 2002 in New York City. To dramatically increase high school graduation and college attendance rates for the most disadvantaged youth, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (with the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Ford Foundation, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation as partners) is funding the development of Early College High Schools nationally. These schools will enable students to earn both a high school diploma and up to two years of college credit.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation funded select Gates ECHS partners to enhance the initiative with strategic Community Engagement efforts. Learn more about SECME’s Kellogg-Funded Community Engagement Initiative.

As a Gates-designated “intermediary,” SECME provides technical assistance to its partner school districts and universities to develop or redesign “Early College High Schools—Small Schools with Accelerated Paths.” This task directly supports and draws on SECME’s legacy as a premier pre-college alliance. SECME Early College High Schools are a new strategy designed to accomplish the traditional SECME mission:

To increase the pool of historically under-represented, geographically underserved and differently-abled students who will be prepared to enter and complete post-secondary studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, thus creating a diverse and globally competitive workforce.

As a result of SECME’s work in this important initiative, two new schools have emerged:

Selma Early College High School (SECHS) is a partnership among Selma City Schools, Wallace Community College Selma, Tuskegee University, Alabama State University and SECME.

Located on the campus of Wallace Community College Selma, SECHS provides an innovative, college environment for students, grades 9-12 where students are engaged in serious college-level work enhanced by after-school and summer experiences in industry, research and leadership.

In Spring 2007, SECHS will graduate its first senior class of 66 students. Based on current student progress, it is estimated that 100% of the graduates will enroll in higher education, with 47% receiving an Associates Degree upon high school graduation; and another 25% attaining enough credit to enter college next year as sophomores.

Selma Early College High School is the only one of its kind in the state of Alabama. Read more about SECHS at http://selmacityschools.org/earlycollege/

Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School joins Durham Public Schools with North Carolina Central University and SECME.

JDC-ECHS is a small school (with fewer than 400 students) and will provide the opportunity for more individualized instruction. Students will graduate with a high school diploma, plus up to two years of college credit towards a bachelor’s degree. By creating a structure in which the high school years are compressed with the number of years required to receive college degrees, the Early College High School will be centered around improving graduation rates and better preparing students for entry into high-skill careers.

The Early College High School is also designed to substantially increase the number of minority and female students who will pursue advanced studies and careers in Mathematics, Science, Engineering and Technology. To learn more about JDC-ECHS, go to http://echs.dpsnc.net .

You may also read more about the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Early College High School Initiative at www.earlycolleges.org .

SECME’s (EP)2 program is a model designed to assist SECME districts in engaging and empowering parents to support and mentor their college-bound students. Working with local parent leaders (who receive training and technical assistance from the SECME national office), parent groups develop relationships with educators, understanding of college-level work and admissions requirements and acquire technical capabilities through workshops and local parent networks

The (EP)2 program includes concrete activities and suggestions for empowering parents. One of its goals is to increase the ability of parents to assist their children with career and educational choices. In addition, it will provide opportunities for parents to obtain education and technology training and to network with parents and partner with their schools and community. These workshops are conducted by your local school, school district and partner SECME University in conjunction with the SECME National Office. SECME also conducts a residential Parent Academy during its annual Summer Institute.

“With increased involvement of parents, guardians, and primary caregivers of SECME and other students, we will sustain the continuum of academic excellence. The circle will truly be unbroken if the SECME community can unite with parents, guardians and other caregivers to provide a nurturing environment for our children.

“Café” style vignettes for problem solving and discussion will be included as part of an (EP)2 workshop. Parents will be engaged with other parents on a wide variety of topics to include:

• Conflict Resolution Financing your Child’s Education
• Becoming a Focused, Well Organized Parent
• Internet Safety
• Appreciating Different Communication Styles

mATHLETICS incorporates groundbreaking educational tactics in the form of teaching youngsters advanced mathematical and scientific principles by relating them to everyday athletic activities, allowing them to appreciate the infinite uses of math and science in sports. mATHLETICS allows these children to learn in a different way, and guides them to 'Live With Intention.'

Founded in concert with NASA-SEMAA, the SECME-TSU Aerospace Education Laboratory provides a unique educational experience through state-of-the-art NASA technologies. Located at Tennessee State University, these electronically enhanced, computerized facilities place cutting edge aerospace technology at the fingertips of students. As technology is utilitzed more in our daily lives, it requires highly trained individuals to navigate in this new environment, and as such, we endeavor to provide our youth with the opportunities and expertise they will need to succeed.

To learn more, visit http://www.semaanashville.com