Early College Academy Graduates Second Cohort, Expands by 38% for 2026

KUTZTOWN, Pa. - As schools across Pennsylvania continue to face educator shortages and families seek more affordable pathways to higher education, Kutztown University's Early College Academy (ECA) is demonstrating what can happen when school districts and universities work together to create intentional pathways from high school to college and careers.

Now entering its third year, the Early College Academy recently celebrated its second graduating cohort while welcoming 94 students for the 2026-27 academic year, a 38.2% increase over last year's enrollment. The cohort includes students from 27 school districts across Berks, Lehigh, Schuylkill, Montgomery and Northampton counties.

"We are pleased to engage with our district colleagues across the region to offer this valuable opportunity to students completing their K-12 experience," said Dr. Lorin Basden Arnold, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. "We love welcoming these students into the Golden Bear family and aim to provide them an authentic college experience."

Launched in 2024, the Early College Academy allows high school students to earn college credit while participating in an authentic university experience. Students take courses on Kutztown University's campus, learn from university faculty, engage with college resources and facilities, and build confidence as learners before making important decisions about their post-secondary futures.

In its second year, 68 students completed the program, with 32 choosing to continue their education at Kutztown University this fall. Across its first two years, the Early College Academy has graduated 105 students, 56 of whom have committed to KU, representing a 53.3% matriculation rate.

"The Early College Academy demonstrates what is possible when school districts, universities and the commonwealth work together around a shared goal," said Dr. Rebecca Burns, dean, College of Education. "Students gain a head start on their future, families see tangible value and communities benefit from stronger pathways into the professions and workforce areas they need most."

The Early College Academy has also benefited from Pennsylvania's Dual Credit Innovation Grant program, which supports the expansion of high-quality dual-enrollment opportunities and strengthens pathways between K-12 schools, higher education institutions and workforce needs across the commonwealth. The grant has enabled Kutztown University and its school district partners to broaden student access to college coursework while developing innovative approaches that help students prepare for future careers and continued education.

Students in the academy can complete the equivalent of a full college semester before graduating from high school while benefiting from reduced tuition costs and a structured support system designed to ease the transition to higher education.

"Salisbury Township School District values our partnership with Kutztown University and the opportunities the Early College Academy provides for our students," said Lynn Fuini-Hetten, superintendent. "Programs like this give students meaningful access to college-level learning while helping them build confidence, explore future pathways and see themselves as successful college students.

"As a proud Kutztown University graduate, this partnership is especially meaningful to me. I have experienced firsthand the quality of a Kutztown education, and I am pleased that our students have the opportunity to begin their own college experience at KU while still in high school."

Kutztown University is currently recruiting students for the 2027-28 Early College Academy cohort. Students, families and school district partners interested in learning more about the program, eligibility requirements and the application process are encouraged to visit the Early College Academy website or contact the Office of Clinical Education at [email protected] or 610-683-4256.