Dual Credit Programs

Programs Allowing Dual Credit Through College Course Enrollment

Running Start
Running Start allows students in grades 11 and 12 to take college courses at Washington’s community and technical colleges, and at Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Washington State University, and Northwest Indian College. Running Start students and their families do not pay tuition, but they do pay college fees and buy their own books, as well as provide their own transportation. Students receive both high school and college credit for these classes, therefore, accelerating their progress through the education system.

Tech Prep
The Tech Prep program helps students transition from high school into college professional technical programs. Tech Prep is a cooperative effort between K–12 schools, community and technical colleges, and the business community to develop applied integrated, academic, and technical programs.

• Washington Tech Prep - awards high school students dual credit for career and technical education (CTE) courses articulated to college programs.
• Washington State Board for Community & Technical Colleges (SBCTC) - provides occupational pathways for students by preparing them for technologically advanced careers and college education by emphasizing strong academic, technical, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.

College in the High School
College in the High School is an opportunity for students to be concurrently enrolled in high school and college and to earn high school and college credit in the same course offered on the high school campus. Costs to students vary with each institution.

• College in the High School academic/transfer guidelines
• National Alliance for Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) accredited concurrent enrollment programs
  • Central Washington University
  • University of Washington-Seattle

Early College
The Early College program is designed for low-income youth, first-generation college goers, English language learners, students of color, and other young people underrepresented in higher education opportunity to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and one to two years of college credit, tuition free.

• Center for Native Education
• Jobs For The Future

Gateway to College
Students, aged 16-21, who have dropped out of school, or are in the danger of dropping out, may qualify for this program to simultaneously accumulate high school and college credits, earning their high school diploma while progressing toward a certificate or associate degree.

• Gateway to College National Network
• Gateway to College–Washington Sites

Career Link—South Seattle Community College Career Link Program
Designed for 16–21 year olds who have dropped out of high school or are on the verge of dropping out and are interested in returning to school and completing their high school diploma. The target population is low-income youth, first-generation college goers, students of color, and other young people underrepresented in higher education.

Technical College Direct Funded Enrollment Programs
Provides students the opportunity to simultaneously accumulate high school and college credits, earning a high school diploma while progressing toward an associate’s degree or certificate. Students have access to most of the training programs and support services at any of the three participating colleges:

• Lake Washington Technical Academy at Lake Washington Institute of Technology (formerly known as Lake Washington Technical College)
• Northwest Career and Technical High School at Clover Park Technical College
• Technical High School at Bates Technical College