As a former high school teacher and administrator, Dr. Lopez learned early in his career the benefits of ALL students having access to early college experiences. Now, as Dean - College of Professional Studies at National Louis University and previously, President of Harold Washington College, one of the seven City Colleges of Chicago, Dr. Lopez is leading initiatives focused on the expansion of early college courses in high schools aligned to work-based learning experiences with Chicago Public School students. His leadership experience along with the results students are having, aligned with over ten years of research and public speaking experience focused on equity, access and community engagement give him a strong base for which to present and lead on this topic of expanding early college access to ALL students.