The Michigan Early Middle College Association (MEMCA) offered support and guidance to schools/programs implementing early middle college designs that have emerged in Michigan. NCREST served as a research and thought partner of MEMCA and collected data and conducted analyses that provide information used by MEMCA schools/programs to strengthen their design and implementation. NCREST also regularly provided technical assistance workshops that help member schools/programs to use data to understand and reflect on their students’ experiences and outcomes.

About the partner organizations

MEMCA is a voluntary, professional development and peer-to-peer association of educators aimed at developing and supporting Early Middle Colleges throughout the state of Michigan. This is accomplished by working closely with the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Career and Technical Education and other partners. MEMCA is an affiliate organization of the Middle College National Consortium (MCNC), a network of middle-early college high schools and programs in Michigan. These schools and programs blur the border between high school and college by offering students a chance to begin college work while still in high school. Taking a mixture of high school and college courses, students strive to earn a high school diploma and substantial numbers of college credits. Some students even earn an associate degree on graduation from high school. Students are intensively supported and guided as they experience themselves as successful college-level learners. 

Key activities

NCREST was involved in four activities in support of MEMCA schools/programs:

• Collecting and analyzing college transcript data to provide information about students’ enrollment and performance in college classes.
• Conducting online surveys of graduating students to better understand their academic and social needs, attitudes, and progress toward college readiness.
• Administration of an annual online survey that generates a profile of school/program features and student demographics.
• Leading workshops in which participants use data related to their own schools and students to improve school designs and student outcomes.

For more information, contact Jennifer E. Kim, jek51@tc.columbia.edu.