Wilkes Early College High School

Floor Speech

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Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize a pioneering school in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

Established in 2009, Wilkes Early College High School is a partnership between Wilkes County Schools and Wilkes Community College. The school provides a small learning community of students the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree. It is a 5-year school which enrolls approximately 60 ninth graders each year and is located on the campus of Wilkes Community College where students are enrolled in both honors-level high school classes and college courses.

The mission of Wilkes Early College High School is to provide a personalized program of study that will empower students to be lifelong, community-oriented learners who possess the technical and leadership skills needed for personal and professional success in a global community.

The $40 annual fee, which covers textbooks and enrollment, is an extremely affordable way to help students reach their education goals, especially when you consider that the average tuition and fees was $2,305 for a public 2-year institution in North Carolina this year and $6,677 for a public 4-year institution. And those costs have increased 30 percent over the last 5 years.

Many of the students who attend Wilkes Early College High School are the first in their family to attend college. As a result, Principal Dion Stocks and his staff are working hard to outline expectations and guide students through the process of applying to a 4-year institution. Seminar classes are provided to assist students with understanding college expectations, the application process, and financial aid.

Last year, 21 students earned their associate degree in the school's first official graduating class, and 20 students are expected to earn their degree this year.

Wilkes Early College High School provides an advanced educational experience that equips students for success in college, career, and life. America needs more of this type of innovative learning.

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