Programs & Opportunities

Running Start is intended to provide eligible students a program option consisting of attendance at certain institutions of higher education and the simultaneous earning of high school and college/university credit.

Students in grades 11 and 12 are allowed to take college courses at Washington’s community and technical colleges.

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.

Interested students and families should check with the individual college for Running Start eligibility requirements.

Out of district students may be required to enroll in their home district in order to participate in Running Start.

Pathway to College serves youth, 16 to 21 years old, who have dropped out of school or are significantly behind in credits and unlikely to graduate. The dual credit program allows students to earn a high school diploma while progressing toward a college degree or certificate.

Pathway to College operates as a program within a community college. Students are welcomed and are seen as adult college students at Highline. Classes can be offered both during the day and in the evening, providing much needed flexibility for working students or students with children.

Highline's High School Completion Program offers students who have had their high school education interrupted an opportunity to earn their High School diploma through Highline College. Earn your high school diploma at Highline and prepare for a college degree or gain the opportunity for better employment, career advancement, and higher wages. To enroll in the high school completion program you must: be 21 years old or older. Obtain your official high school and college transcripts. Official transcripts must be sealed in a school envelope. Submit your high school transcript and placement test scores to Highline's High School Programs office.

Juniors and seniors at Foster High School have the opportunity to spend half of their school day at PSSC in a wide variety of career and technical learning programs.

Programs include, but are not limited to:

• Aeronautical Science Pathway

(at Museum of Flight)

• Aerospace Manufacturing/Engineering

• Animation

• Auto Body Technology

• Automotive Technology

• Biomedical Research and Global Health

• College IT in the High School

• Construction Technology

• Criminal Justice Training

• Culinary Arts

• Dental Assisting

• DigiPen Video Game Programming (AP)

• Fashion Design and Marketing

• Fire and Emergency Services

• Marine Science Technology

• Nursing Assistant- Certified

• Outdoor Recreation and Leaderships

• Translation and Interpretation

• Vocational Instruction Through Applied Learning (VITAL)

Counselors and advisors will provide information regarding PSSC for students and families.

Ex.C.E.L. program is specifically for ELL students interested in pursuing their high school diploma. Students accepted into the ELL Ex.C.E.L participate in cohort based instruction and intensive support courses that foster college success, and assist with language acquisition. Ideal candidate is between 16-21 years of age, who are on the verge of dropping out, are behind in high school credits (for age and level), and are committed to completing his or her high school diploma.

A “pre” Pathway program that helps students adjust to the demands of high school completion on the college campus. Students that complete HS Success cohort classes can work on their high school diploma exclusively or transition to Pathway to College so that they can earn both high school and college credits simultaneously.

The Advanced Placement Program (AP) allows students to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school. Students may earn college credit and/or advanced placement into upper-level college courses by taking AP exams. Many colleges and universities recognize AP courses when making admissions decisions.

The student should contact the four-year institution that they plan to attend to determine if the credit will transfer. There is a fee for the AP exam; scholarships may be available.

Career Link is a South Seattle College high school completion program. This is a dual credit program in which students have the opportunity to earn both high school and college credits. Career Link’s mission is to prepare students for success in college and a career while they work toward earning a high school diploma. It is for students aged 16-21 who have dropped out or are behind credits for their grade level.

Is a competency-based program for students with work or life experience that shows an ability to perform at the minimum level required for Washington State diploma. Competency based means demonstrating skills and knowledge. All students in the HS121 program enroll in a Portfolio class and write papers documenting their competency in the subject areas they need for a diploma. Basic requirements: 21 or older; Be able to provide an official transcript.

Job Corps is a federally funded program through the US Department of Labor. It is a free education and training program. Students can earn a high school diploma or GED, learn job skills, and find and keep a good job. Students must be between 16-24 years of age, meet local income guidelines, and be a US citizen or legal resident. Job Corps has a zero tolerance policy for violence and drugs.

The High School Re-Entry Program is an alternative high school experience designed to help students’ ages 15 through 19 reconnect with their education. Classes focus on math, language arts, social studies, and personal development, with a goal to help students successfully transition back into comprehensive high schools so they can graduate with their peers. They can offer other classes on a need basis in order to help satisfy high school requirements. Students are welcome to apply at any time. All applications will be reviewed as they are received. Classes are held at the main office at 4555 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA, 98106, or at the White Center location 9988 15^th Ave SW Suite E Seattle, WA 98146.

King County REconnect to Opportunity and Center for Education Results (CCER) have partnered to create a dynamic goal of supporting youth ages 16-24 with finding employment and education resources. Reconnect to Opportunity specializes in working with youth who have experienced educational and professional barriers throughout their journey. Peer Connectors work within the community to link clients to programs that support and focus on students centered needs.

The Washington Youth Academy (WYA) is a division of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. Students who successfully complete the full 22 week program can earn up to 8 credits toward their high school diplomas. The WYA is a state-run residential and post-residential intervention for 16-18 year olds who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of dropping out.

YouthSource in partnership with Renton Technical College (RTC) integrates education, employment, and life skills training that reengages young adults ages 16-24 in education and careers. YouthSource provides relevant youth development and career preparation in a holistic approach that prepares students for success in education, work and life. Students who attend and graduate from YouthSource receive their GED.