The Middle College High School (MCHS) is an optional high-school format, typically co-sponsored by community colleges and local school districts. Students complete core high-school graduation requirements while concurrently completing college courses. This dissertation presents an analysis of the academic achievement and educational plans of the students involved in two Kentucky MCHS programs. The article-based dissertation contains three components--a companion research study, an individual research study, and an individual reflection. The companion study investigated three aspects of MCHS programs: (a) students' academic achievement, (b) their use of support services, and (c) their academic engagement. The fourth companion study examined key elements of institutional partnerships. The purpose of the individual research study was to determine how participating in a MCHS influenced students' academic achievement and their plans to complete a postsecondary credential. GPAs earned by MCHS students and regular community college students taking the same general education college courses were used to test the hypothesis that students in MCHS programs do as well in their college general education courses as regular community college students. Results indicated that MCHS students' GPAs were higher than the regular community college students' GPAs. To further assess impact of MCHS participation on learning outcomes, interviews were conducted to answer two research questions: What aspects of the MCHS influenced students' academic achievement? How have students' plans to complete a postsecondary credential changed as a result of their attendance in the MCHS program? Interview results indicated that participating in the MCHS had a positive impact on students' postsecondary plans and plans for college. The availability of positive support groups and services also positively influenced students' plans. The individual reflection addresses how the MCHS program could be considered one viable option in providing expanded access to targeted populations of Kentucky high school students who are considered at risk as defined in this study. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]