MECHS: Accelerated College Program for High School Students

2. MECHS Mission Mission Early College High School is founded on the belief that many high school students are ready and eager to do serious college work. Through a partnership with the El Paso Community College (EPCC), the MECHS degree plan enables highly motivated students to accelerate in four years from the ninth grade through the first two years of college, earning an associate’s degree.

3. What makes MECHS special • Smaller classes • Excellent comprehensive fine arts program • Student clubs, and organizations (compared to other ECHS) • Access to all EPCC facilities • Advanced academics • HS Diploma • Associates Degree • Opportunity to begin a 4 year degree • Facilitates the transition to higher education (academically and socially) • Saves time and money

4. Financial Obligation • There is NO financial obligation…FREE • MECHS and EPCC cover the cost of tuition and textbooks! • Can save from $20,000 to $60,000 for first two years of college

5. MECHS Clubs & Organizations • Mathletes • Mock Trial • National Honor Society • National Technical Honor Society • Persuasive Speech • Principal's Student Advisory Committee • Science Bowl • Science Fair • Science National Honor Society • Speech and Debate Team • Student Council • Teen Court • "The Phoenician Newspaper" • UIL Competitive Teams • Yearbook • TBD… • *Freshmen Class (2018) • *Sophomore Class (2017) • *Junior Class (2016) • *Senior Class (2015) • Academic Decathlon • Accounting Club • Business Professionals of America (BPA) • Community Service Organization (CSO) • Computer Club • Dance Team - The Flames • Environmental Club • Intramurals • Literary Anthology

6. Associates Degree Disciplines Offered • Art  • Business • Business Accounting • Chicana/Chicano Studies  • Communication: Advertising, Journalism, Radio & Television • Computer Science   • Criminal Justice • Economics • Multidisciplinary Studies – • Educator Preparation  • English  • Music   • Philosophy   • Psychology   • Speech Communication   • Texas Symbol Courses  • Theater • General Studies  • Dance The Associate of Arts (AA) degree is transferable to four year colleges and universities and is endorsed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. All students will receive 42 ‘core’ hours. The final 18 elective hours can be taken in any of the following disciplines.

7. Associates Degree Disciplines Offered • Architecture   • Engineering Industrial Engineering  • Architecture   • Biological Science: Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Veterinary • Biology   • Chemistry   • Engineering Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Materials , Mechanical  • General Studies • Geological Sciences  • Kinesiology: Exercise, • Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-physical Therapy, Physical Education • Mathematics   • Physics • Psychology The Associate of Arts (AA) degree is transferable to four year colleges and universities and is endorsed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. All students will receive 42 ‘core’ hours. The final 18 elective hours can be taken in any of the following disciplines.

8. Student Profile • MECHS welcomes ALL students who embrace an academic challenge and express an interest in a non-traditional high school experience. • Mission Early College High School focuses on creating a smooth transition into post-secondary education. • MECHS is committed to substantially increasing the number of low-income students and first generation students who will pursue advanced studies. 78% of current students are on Free or Reduced Lunch. • Students do not have to be in the Gifted Program to participate.

9. MECHS Admissions All incoming high school ninth grade students are invited to apply who: …have a sincere interest in academics …have very good work ethic and habits …reside in the Socorro ISD

10. MECHS Admissions (continued) Students are accepted to MECHS based on: • Attendance (Met state compliance) • MECHS application packet • Campus Involvement Survey

11. MECHS Admissions (continued) MECHS Student Information Nights: 6 – 7 PM in the MECHS Cafeteria. Attend by feeder pattern. • November 12, 2014 – Socorro HS • November 13, 2014 – Americas & Eastlake HS • November 19, 2014 – El Dorado HS • November 20, 2014 – Montwood HS The meeting is MANDATORY for applying students. The students must complete a written portion (personal narrative)for their application packet. Students must attend only one meeting. They may attend outside of their feeder pattern.

12. How to Apply • Complete the application packet and include all required documents. Place all documents in the application envelope. • NEW! Campus Involvement Survey will replace Teacher Recommendation. • Turn in all forms to the middle school counselor by January 9, 2015

13. Questions About Mission Early College High School? 915-937-1200 www.sisd.net

14. Always Rising