College and Career Readiness Expansion (CCRE) Project

The College and Career Readiness Expansion (CCRE) Project was implemented by Columbus State Community College in partnership with Jobs for the Future and the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio across 16 comprehensive high schools in seven school districts in the Central Ohio area. The project served students in grades 9-12, targeting economically disadvantaged students and those underrepresented in postsecondary education. CCRE implemented the early college high school model within comprehensive high schools, providing students with opportunities to earn college credits through College Credit Plus (CCP) dual enrollment courses and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The intervention included four Early College Design Principles: 1) Career and College-Ready Academic Program with aligned course pathways and work-based learning, 2) College Headstart with exposure to college culture and readiness skills instruction, 3) Wraparound Student Supports including academic assistance and college application support, and 4) School-Level Organizational Practices including data-based decision-making and teacher collaboration. Implementation supports included professional development and coaching for district and school staff, curriculum development and alignment, student support activities (academic advising, early alert system, tutoring), and creation of integrated 9-14 pathways. The project was implemented over four years (2016-2020) with the goal of having 90% of students graduate with at least three hours of college credit or a career credential.