• Developed in partnership with the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), the NC Community College System and the University of North Carolina, the early college high school initiative launched in 2004 as a way to encourage more students to complete high school and to gain the advanced skills increasingly demanded in the 21st century workplace.  Early colleges aim to graduate students who earn a high school diploma as well as two years of transferable college credit (an associate degree for college transfer) — all at no cost to their families. 
    The first early college in Wake County, Wake Early College of Health and Sciences turns 17 during the 2022-2023 school year.  The continued success of WECHS graduates is a testament to the early college model.  In 2022, WECHS graduates earned the following accolades:
    • 78% of graduates earning a Wake Tech degree or diploma
    • 9 graduates earned Certified Nursing Assistant certification
    • 7 graduates earned Phlebotomy certification
    • 3 earned Emergency Medical Technician certification
    • 1 earned Health and Fitness Science Certification
    • Over 1.2 million in scholarships and grants were awarded.