To strengthen Washington economically, it is important to provide pathways of communication among educations, industry, government and the nonprofit sector.
Obtain College Credit in High School
Tech Prep
Tech Prep is a way for current high school students to earn college credits for career and technical education courses that they take AT THEIR HIGH SCHOOL. Tech Prep is a partnership between industry and education committed to providing a highly-trained and motivated workforce, prepared to pursue lifelong learning in a changing technological society.
Tech Prep provides occupational pathways for students, preparing them for technologically advanced careers and postsecondary education by emphasizing strong academic, technical, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. Tech Prep prepares students for the world of work and helps maintain a quality life in a changing society.
Tech Prep is a national educational initiative. It includes a rigorous and focused course of study that provides students with essential academic and technical foundations that prepare students with necessary workplace skills.
Ask your high school counselor for more information about earning college credit in high school.
Also see http://www.techprepwa.org/
Running Start
Running Start is a program for 11th and 12th grade students to take college courses and earn college credit at Washington's 34 community and technical colleges, Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, Central Washington University, The Evergreen State College, and Northwest Indian College. Students earn both high school and college credits for these courses. Running Start students and their families do not pay tuition, but they do pay mandatory fees, buy their own books, and provide their own transportation.
Running Start allows for students to accelerate their progress through the education system. Students can potentially earn their high school diploma and Associate’s Degree at the same time.
Students interested in Running Start may get more information from their high school counseling office or from the Running Start coordinator at their local college. Many colleges also offer Running Start orientation sessions to help students and their families learn more about the program.
For more information, go to http://www.k12.wa.us/runningstart/default.aspx/