Former Gov. Mike Easley will help push Early College High School week.

The Southport Democrat will serve as a national spokesman for an initiative to encourage high schoolers to take community college courses from May 4-10.

"In today's economy, a college education is a must for every student," he said in a statement. "That's why I'm proud to share my enthusiasm for our early college high schools across the country and to tell parents, teachers, students, policymakers, and others about the success we are seeing in North Carolina — successes that mirror the national initiative."

The promotion is part of Easley's part-time work with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation promoting early community college.

It's a bit of a change from recent months. 

Since leaving office in January, Easley has kept a low profile, turning down interview requests and not speaking publicly about joining a law firm or an investigation into his relationship with a Nascar owner.