Research shows that the earlier and more often you talk with young children about college and career, the more they will envision their future selves attending an institution of higher education. At values-based, tuition-free Empower College Prep (ECP), we start the college conversation on the first day of Kindergarten.
From Kindergarten to College
“The path to academic success, to preparing for a good University or College, begins at least as early as the first day of Kindergarten.” – Andrew Mitchell, The Learning Path
Since our founding in 2012, Empower College Prep has been preparing even our youngest learners to attend college. From their first day of preschool at our partner on-site Ark of Learning ECP scholars are inspired to achieve this goal. We display the pennants of schools like University of Arizona, Grand Canyon University, and Northern Arizona University throughout our building. We name classrooms after colleges and universities like Harvard University and MIT. Our teachers wear spirit wear from their alma maters and share memories of their experiences with their students.
We sponsor college-themed events throughout the school year at all grade levels. We start visits to college campuses in 3rd grade. We host college fairs here on-site. We even pay the cost of sending our seniors to visit the out-of-state schools where they’ve been accepted so they can make informed decisions about where to attend!
Why We Start the Journey Early
Experts agree that by setting the goal of college attendance early a student will develop a vision for their future and take the first step on the path towards earning a degree. This proves to be motivational because it gives a child a goal to work towards throughout their education.
In Arizona, less than half of the state’s residents earn a degree after high school. 90% of Empower’s graduates enroll in college. Annually, our graduates are awarded more than $2 million in college scholarships and aid.
“Empower College Prep is a school that has a mission for every student to attend a University. But not just that – it is showing them core values and teaching students to solve real world problems. Love the Empower Family!” – Review Posted at Niche.com
At ECP, we’re closing the achievement gap with an educational journey that starts in preschool and continues on the same campus through high school graduation. It’s a life-changing opportunity for every scholar. Empower is now enrolling for the 2024-25 school year. Join this year’s Kindergarten and start the college journey here
About Empower College Prep
Start your college journey at Empower College Prep (ECP), the values-based, tuition-free college preparatory school serving Kindergarten-12th grade. Preschool is also available on-site. Rigorous academics, inspiring co-curriculars and electives, and competitive sports prepare scholars to succeed in college, solve real-world problems, and maximize their impact in the world. Prepare for your future at Empower. Now enrolling.
