Early College Academy Celebrates One Decade of Community Advancement

Written by: Caleb Sanderson

Graphic Credits: Elizabeth Cody

The Early College Academy (ECA) of Butler Community College recognizes one decade of serving and advancing high school juniors and seniors. With 725 graduates, 400 from Butler County alone, the ECA maintains secure partnerships with more than 20 schools.  

The academy is currently planning a September reunion open to current and past instructors and students to celebrate ten years of advancing young minds. 

“What was once just in Rose Hill has now expanded into the state and country,” Associate Dean of Online, High School and Community Learning Christy Streeter said. The ECA offers more than 10 educational options, including pathways to associate degree completion and certificates. Students spend a half day at their high school and the other portion at a Butler campus or completing online courses. 

ECA graduates have saved nearly $2.514 million by earning college credits at Butler before advancing to their chosen transfer school or career. These students have received more than $30 million in scholarship offerings to further their academic goals.  

“I think it’s important that people know we are continually trying to meet the needs of our students and families and streamline the process as much as possible,” Streeter said. “They can always reach out to me or any of the high school team; they can email me if they have any questions.” For assistance, Streeter’s email is [email protected]. 

Although the ECA is designed to jumpstart the academic and career lives of the graduates, the academy takes other aspects seriously, as well. Students must demonstrate a certain level of maturity and respect, including toward their parents/guardians, before the administration will consider them as a potential ECA student. Once admitted into a pathway or certificate option, the students learn valuable skills such as time management, résumé-building and a high degree of responsibility and professionalism. 

“We work hard to instill in them a lot of soft skills and responsibility,” Streeter said. 

Academy students complete four steps to accomplish this next-level goal as they advance through their chosen course. They complete four professional development classes meant to guide them toward success. In the introduction to college course, students learn how to self-advocate and build strong study skills. They have the opportunity to explore career options, job shadow and possibly participate in internships. This step often helps to affirm a student’s pathway decision or encourages them to look at other options. 

The other two steps include transfer and scholarship applications, where students learn to write a memorable essay, which have proven successful time and again. Students are also taught about professionalism, where they practice interviewing and résumés that are meant to secure them a desirable position. Each of the four professional development classes are intended to encourage students to think beyond Butler and where they want their futures to be.