The Early College Program at Georgia State University offers a unique opportunity for high school students from selected partner schools in the metro-Atlanta area to blend high school and college education. The program is grounded in the principle that academic rigor, combined with the opportunity to save time and money, motivates students to work hard and meet serious intellectual challenges. Participants in the program can earn a high school diploma and potentially up to two years of college credits towards a bachelor’s degree. The Early College Program offers college-level classes in a variety of subjects, giving students an opportunity to explore different fields of study. Georgia State classes are incorporated into the students' regular school hours on designated days. The curriculum is rigorous, requiring students to possess a high degree of academic potential and maturity. The program also incorporates weekly meetings, mandatory study sessions, and community service, as well as professional luncheons and field trips to enrich the learning experience. During the school year, students are transported from their respective high schools to the Georgia State campus, usually arriving by 9:30 am and leaving around 4 pm. In addition, Georgia State University also offers an Early College Summer Program, which extends over four weeks and covers academic, cultural, and social skills, as well as college-level math, English, and social science classes. The summer program also includes courses in study skills, financial literacy, success strategies for college students, coding, art, and film. Students are not automatically guaranteed a spot as a Georgia State University student upon completion of the Early College Program. However, the program does provide support during the application process, and students from the program have an acceptance rate over 90%. To participate in the Early College Program, high school students must have a 2.75 GPA, 90% attendance, and a recommendation from their high school counselor. Upon graduating, students from the program have an average GPA of 3.09 and an average of 20.1 college credits earned. The program's aim is to expand students' horizons, achieve collegiate success, and build future leaders and scholars through higher education. The students who participate in the Early College Program typically live in low socioeconomic areas and gain a head start in their college experiences, with many transferring their earned credits to prestigious colleges.