Welcome to the Resources Page for Early College High School Week (May 3-9, 2010)!

Here, you will find resources and materials (updated for 2010) to help intermediaries and schools plan and conduct events, and invite students, parents, partners, and local/state leaders to participate.

If you have any suggestions or requests for additional resources, please email Jayme Rubenstein, JFF Public Relations Coordinator, jrubenstein@jff.org, 617.728.4446.

ECHS Week Planning Guide (PDF)

This guide provides an overview of the ECHS Initiative, the purpose of ECHS Week, and helpful tips on ways to celebrate in your state and community.

Opportunity for a Lifetime (a promotional ECHS DVD): www.earlycolleges.org/ECHSVideo.html

On YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQe4pbnrtjY

This inspiring, seven-minute video features schools in Los Angeles, California; Brooklyn, New York; and Spindale, North Carolina. Students tell the story of how early college high schools motivate young people to stay in school, work hard, and meet serious intellectual challenges. For hardcopies of this DVD, contact Jayme Rubenstein.

Other ECHS Videos on YouTube

NEW: Arne Duncan Honors the ECHS Initiative (1:20 long... A great piece to kick off an ECHS Week event!)

ECHS Slideshow (5:30 long, featuring 5 ECHS... NO AUDIO)

ECHS Fact Sheet "ECHS Gets Results" (PDF)

This fact sheet highlights key statistics of early colleges collectively. We encourage you to combine this information with statistics and accomplishments from your own schools when publicizing your week's events.

National News Release (Word document)

JFF is distributing this release nationally to announce Early College High School Week. 

Local News Release Template (Word Document)

This release is based on the national news release (below) that JFF is distributing to leading education and policy journalists, industry publications, bloggers, etc. We've marked recommended places to add text about your schools and events, as well as examples of quotes you can add. Contact Jayme Rubenstein with any questions or suggestions. 

National Op-Ed (PDF)

Local Op-Ed Template (Word Document)

JFF President and CEO Marlene B. Seltzer authored this 620-word op-ed article for national distribution. If you would like to tailor the op-ed for placement in your state or local publications, please upload the template below the PDF.

ECHS Week Webinar Invite (Word document)

Designed for school leaders, college liaisons, counselors, and teachers, this webinar on Wednesday, May 5th will focus on the innovative use of measures of non-cognitive attitudes and behaviors to gauge how to help low-income high school youth make the transition to college. Register at http://bit.ly/aaECVI.

ECHS Week FAQ (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions about early colleges and the national ECHS Initiative. This is a great document to review as you prepare to talk with media, policymakers, and other general audiences. 

ECHS Public Service Announcement (PDF)

This 30-second public service announcement can be pre-recorded and submitted to local radio stations, or read live on the air. While ideal for radio, feel free to use this language in other marketing materials and to supplement your talking points. 

ECHS Week Invite for Parents and Students (Word Document)

This letter is a great way to inform all parents and students that their early college high school is part of a national network of 200 schools all aimed at helping underrepresented students nationwide get a postsecondary credential. 

ECHS Week Invite for Local/State Officials (Word Document)

Inviting local officials to your ECHS Week events can increase the credibility of your successes and help maximize positive media coverage for your schools and our national initiative. To find your local and state officials, go to http://www.votesmart.org/official_current.php and type in your zip code. 

ECHS Week Proclamation w/ Request (Word Document)

This document includes both a letter to elected officials requesting that they declare Early College High School Week through their jurisdictions, and a draft resolution. Feel free to add language in the resolution about your own school(s). Also, having the superintendent sign the letter is a suggestion. To find your local and state officials, go to http://www.votesmart.org/official_current.php and type in your zip code. 

ECHS Week Flyer Graphics

ECHS Graphic to add to your email signature (.gif)

ALSO... feel free to copy and paste the ECHS Week banner from any of our Word documents above onto any of your event or info flyers. You can change the size of the graphic up top by holding down the SHIFT key and dragging one of the corners.

NEW: Educational Leadership Article: "From Hope to Belief" 

Written for the April 2010 issue by JFF's Nancy Hoffman and Michael Webb, leaders of the Early College High School Initiative, to present this proven model and make the case for continuing to expand it.