Early College High School (ECHS)

Early College High School at Midland College (ECHS@MC) is a four-year high school
partnership between the Midland Independent School District and Midland College. Because of
an accelerated curriculum, students have the opportunity to graduate high school with an
associate degree and enter college ready for a bachelor's degree program. There is no cost to
attend. Through donor-directed scholarships, Midland College has been able to award a full
scholarship to all students so that they do not have to pay tuition for taking MC courses that
apply toward an associate degree. Donations to the Midland College Foundation, Inc. for
Permian Basin Gives Day will help to ensure that this benefit continues.

In September 2022, The U. S. Department of Education named ECHS@MC a National Blue
Ribbon School. This distinction places ECHS@MC among the best high schools in the nation
and marks it as a model of effective school practices for state and district educators and other
schools throughout the U.S. Total minority enrollment at ECHS is 87 percent and 49 percent are
economically disadvantaged.

In 2022, all of the ECHS@MC graduates attended college after graduation. That's in addition to
the associate degree they received from Midland College.

"Our scholars are very hard-working and have a collegiate mindset,” ECHS@MC Chancellor
Renee Aldrin said. “Our motto is 'Rising Above, Going Beyond and Conquering All." Each of
our scholars has a story. They do not allow circumstances to control them, and they are always
striving to become better. As our scholars develop into leaders, they continuously do more than
what is expected or required to achieve their goals and ultimately gain more than ever expected."

"Faculty, staff, students, parents and the Midland community work together to create the
ECHS@MC environment that fosters student achievement and success,” MC President Dr. Steve
Thomas said.

• Give to ECHS
•     Permian Basin Gives Day