Early college opportunities are often framed primarily as a way for students to earn college credit while still in high school. While this approach can accelerate academic progress, it frequently overlooks the broader potential of early college as a pathway for long-term growth, exploration, and preparation for life beyond the classroom. This session reframes early college as an intentional pathway to identity development, opportunity, and workforce readiness, particularly for students who may perceive college as out of reach.

Grounded in research and practice, the session examines who benefits most from early college experiences, why intentional design matters, and how these opportunities can support career exploration, transferable skill development, critical thinking, and social capital. Participants will explore practical strategies for creating early college environments that promote confidence, belonging, and readiness for both college and careers. The session concludes with a practice-based example from a Youth College and Career Readiness framework, offering actionable insights that educators, families, and community partners can apply immediately.

Speaker:

Sebern Coleman, Director of Educator Preparation at the UNLV College of Education, is a visionary educator dedicated to bridging theory and practice to nurture college and career readiness. With a dynamic focus on creating pathways for success, Coleman leads the charge in overseeing the college's dual enrollment initiatives, Rebel Teach and Rebel Start, while fostering vital external collaborations to drive workforce development efforts.