Catawba Valley Community College

Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) stands out for its innovative approach to early college education, primarily through its highly successful Challenger Early College High School and Alexander Early College High School programs. These initiatives offer a transformative pathway for ambitious high school students to earn both their high school diploma and a college associate degree simultaneously, providing a significant head start on their academic and professional journeys.

Challenger Early College High School, a flagship program, is a testament to collaborative education, supported by Catawba County Schools, North Carolina New Schools, CVCC, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Each year, it welcomes 100 eighth-grade students from a pool of around 300 applicants across several local school systems, including Catawba, Alexander, Hickory City, and Newton-Conover City Schools. Students embark on a rigorous four- or five-year curriculum that seamlessly blends high school and college-level coursework.

Building on this success, Alexander Early College High School was established in 2016 on the CVCC Alexander Center Campus. This program provides students, predominantly from Alexander County Schools but also welcoming others, the opportunity to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree in either science or art, or to gain valuable credits in a business program. With approximately 230 students, Alexander Early College exemplifies CVCC's commitment to expanding access to higher education and preparing students for future success.