1. A Grades 9-14 Model for College and Career
NORWALK EARLY COLLEGE
ACADEMY
A Grades 9-14 Model for College and Career 1

2. Norwalk Early College Academy
Part of the Pathways in Technology Early College High School Program (P-TECH)
Open to 100 incoming 9th grade students for the school year

3. Features Staffing No-cost AAS in Information Technology
Project-based learning, team teaching curriculum
Extended day, extended year program
4-year, 5-year, 6-year program possibilities
College courses at NHS and at NCC
Extensive professional learning experiences for teaching staff
Staffing
Motivated, visionary, and inspiring school leader
Professional teaching staff with unwavering commitment to EVERY student’s success
Personalized learning environment with tight adult-student connections

5. Why the Grade 9 - 14 Model Matters
Context for the Initiative:
Why the Grade Model Matters
U.S. demand for IT workers far outpacing supply, with steady decline in American students receiving degrees in STEM-related subjects
Pathways to Prosperity (Harvard): U.S. must broaden the range of high-quality pathways offered to young adults, with far more emphasis on career counseling, career education, apprenticeship programs and community colleges as viable routes to well-paying jobs
Community college graduation rates hover at or about 25%.
There are 28 million middle skill jobs – those requiring postsecondary degrees – currently available in the U.S., with these jobs paying close to $40,000 per year on average.
Over the next 10 years, 14 million new jobs requiring middle skills – a 50% increase – will be created, with those needing STEM skills the highest paid of those jobs. 5 5

6. Projected Employment Growth, 2008-2018

8. Norwalk Early College Academy
Norwalk Public Schools
Academy housed at Norwalk High School
100 students per year
Dedicated school leader
Norwalk Community College
AAS in Computer Science and Engineering
College Liaison
College courses taught by NCC professors and NPS adjunct professors
IBM
Workplace learning curriculum and skills mapping
Industry Liaison
Paid internships at IBM
One-on-one long-term mentorships

9. Transportation will be provided
Norwalk Early College Academy
Extended School Year
Transportation will be provided

10. Extended School Day Academic Support Acceleration Application
Norwalk Early College Academy
Extended School Day Academic Support Acceleration Application

11. Norwalk Community College Commitment to NECA
Tuition-Free Associate Degree in 4, 5, or 6 years
A.A.S. in Computer Science
A.A.S. in Engineering Technology

12. NCC Component of NECA NCC placement exam
Courses offered starting by Sophomore year of H.S. for college-ready students
Classes taught by NCC professors and/or NCC- approved instructors

13. Why IBM?
IBM needs the next generation of Innovators who will lead our company into the 21st Century
Skilled technical professionals, problem solvers, communicators, leaders
Diversity of thought breeds innovation
IBM has a deep and unabiding commitment to improving education globally
IBM is committed to creating innovative education initiatives that put students first and helping prepare students for active citizenship and meaningful, productive careers

14. Current 9-14 School Model Partnerships
PTECH Brooklyn
In 3rd full year with 335 students in grades 9-11
Partnership between New York City Department of Education, CUNY, New York City College of Technology, and IBM
Results: 74% of all students have passed at least three Regents exams. 162 students are enrolled in at least one college course
Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy, Chicago, IL
In 2nd full year with 463 students in grades 9 and 10
Partnership between Chicago Public Schools, City Colleges of Chicago, Richard Daley College, and IBM
Results: Ranked 4th out of 106 high schools in all of Chicago for average student growth. 102 students are enrolled in college classes.

15. IBM Commitments to NECA Students
IBM Liaison
“Work-Based Learning Curriculum,” which will be key part of student course-work
Skills-Mapping: Coursework is aligned to the skills necessary to be successful in entry-level role upon completion of AAS degree
Each student at will be paired-up with a IBM mentor throughout time in program
Speakers, worksite visits
Beginning in Year 3, students will be placed in internships at IBM and other companies
First in-line for jobs at IBM upon graduation

16. Norwalk Early College Academy
July
Summer Learning Experience
September
Officially open doors to Norwalk Early College Academy
April
Information sessions
May
Applications due
Student Selection
Teacher Selection
June
Continued Communication with families
Initial Student/Family Gathering

17. Student selection and notification will take place
Applications are due
NO LATER THAN
Wed., May 14, at 2pm.
Student selection and notification will take place
the week of May 19.

18. NORWALK EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY18