Start College in High School

Earn College Credit

You can earn college credit for advanced standing, transcripted credit, youth options, or youth apprenticeship coursework while in high school. Ask your high school counselor or instructor for options avail­able through your high school.

Advanced Standing

An advanced standing agreement may be developed with a high school when a high school course or courses contain competencies that are recognized as equivalent to those in a technical college course. You will earn high school credit and, if you meet the conditions identified in the advanced standing agreement, will be granted technical college credit after enrolling at the college. It is your responsibility to ini­tiate the advanced standing process by providing the tech­nical college with your high school transcript documenting the advanced standing coursework completed. You will not have to repeat coursework, will receive technical college credit, and will save money on college tuition.

Transcripted Credit

An actual technical college course, using college textbooks and materials, is taught to high school students in a high school setting. An agreement between the technical college and high school spells out conditions you must meet to successfully complete the course. The course is taught by your high school instructor and college credits are awarded and recorded on a technical college transcript upon suc­cessful completion of the course.

Youth Apprenticeship

Youth Apprenticeship is a comprehensive two-year elective program that combines academic and technical classroom instruction with mentored on-the-job learning for high school students. Enrolling in the program will provide you with the opportunity to effectively make the connection between school and the workplace. Once you master the required program competencies, you will receive a state-issued skill certificate which is recognized by educators and leaders of business and industry. The program is administered by the Department of Workforce Development, in partnership with the Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Technical College System. WITC will award credits to students who have successfully completed a Youth Apprenticeship program. Contact your high school guidance counselor if you are interested in this type of learning experience.

Youth Options

The Youth Options program allows high school students to attend a Wisconsin technical college — either full- or part-time — and earn both high school and technical college credit. You are eligible if you go to a public high school and have completed 10th grade with good academic standing, met any course prerequisites, have written approval from your parent or guardian, and have no history of disciplinary problems. You will need: 1. A completed PI8700A form signed by the school board. 2. A completed Wisconsin Technical College application. 3. A letter from the school board stating which classes, books, and fees are the school district’s tuition responsibility.

The program opens the door to greater learning opportunities for those who are motivated to get started on their careers and who are ready to try a new learning environment. If you are interested you must notify your local school board — using the DPI PI8700-A form — by March 1 for the fall semester or October 1 for the spring semester. Forms are available in your high school guidance office or see your high school counselor for more information.