The Early College High School Initiative has been in place for decades. The initiative's primary focus is on students for whom the transition into postsecondary education is problematic (Jobs for the Future, 2014). The main priority for these Early College High Schools was to serve low-income, first-generation college goers, English language learners, and students of color, all of whom are statistically underrepresented in higher education and for whom society often has low aspirations for academic achievement (Jobs for the Future, 2014). The initiative increased the number of students who attained an Associate's degree, two years of college credit, and/or the opportunity to attain a Bachelor's degree--tuition free (Jobs for the Future, 2014). Early College Designs enable more students, particularly low-income and minority students, to experience rigorous high school and college coursework that leads to improved outcomes (Jobs for the Future, 2014). Early colleges incorporate key features that promote success for all students and have proven particularly effective for students who have struggled academically (Jobs for the Future, 2014). [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.]