Are you a young adult in Washington State eager to achieve your educational and career aspirations? The Edmonds Career Access Program (EdCAP) offers a unique pathway to success. In partnership with the Edmonds School District and Edmonds College, this Washington State Open Doors program provides eligible 16- to 21-year-old students with the resources and support they need to thrive. EdCAP recognizes that everyone’s journey is different, offering flexible options to earn your GED®, high school diploma, professional-technical certificates, or even an associate degree – or a combination tailored to your individual goals.
Chart Your Course: Diverse Educational Paths with EdCAP
EdCAP is designed to empower you to take control of your education. Whether you’re looking to complete your high school credentials, gain vocational skills, or jumpstart your college education, EdCAP provides the tools and flexibility to make it happen.
- GED®: Prepare for and earn your General Educational Development certificate, opening doors to further education and employment opportunities.
- High School Diploma: Complete your high school education and receive a diploma issued by the Edmonds School District, setting a strong foundation for your future.
- Professional-Technical Certificates: Gain hands-on skills and industry-recognized certifications in various fields, making you job-ready upon completion.
- Associate Degrees: Earn an Associate of Arts (AA) degree and potentially bypass state 24-credit graduation requirements when applying for an Edmonds College diploma, accelerating your higher education journey.
EdCAP goes beyond traditional academics, offering valuable opportunities for skill-building, career exploration, and even English language learning, ensuring you are well-rounded and prepared for the next chapter.
Comprehensive Support System: Your EdCAP Advantage
Navigating your educational journey is made easier with EdCAP’s robust support system. Financial worries are lessened with free tuition, course fees, textbooks, and essential course materials. But the support extends far beyond finances:
- EdCAP Introductory Course: Develop crucial academic habits and strategies in a dedicated introductory course, setting you up for success from day one.
- Personalized Case Management & Advising: Receive individualized guidance and support every quarter from a dedicated case manager and advisor, ensuring you stay on track and make informed decisions.
- Career Exploration & Skill Development: Explore diverse career paths and develop essential skills through targeted opportunities, helping you define your professional direction.
- Post-Graduation Support: Get assistance with planning your next steps after graduation, whether it’s further education or entering the workforce, ensuring a smooth transition.
The Edmonds College Edge: Benefits of Learning on Campus
Choosing EdCAP at Edmonds College offers a unique and enriching learning environment with numerous advantages:
- Flexible Schedules: Design your education to fit your life, not the other way around. With varied class times and schedules typically involving 2-4 days on campus and 5-15 hours of class per week (plus homework), you can balance your commitments.
- Extended Eligibility: Learn and progress at your own pace. EdCAP allows you to take college and/or high school level classes as long as you meet the prerequisites, accommodating diverse learning needs.
- Rich Resources: Benefit from the extensive resources available to all Edmonds College students, including academic support, libraries, and student services.
- Diverse Academic Programs: Explore a wide array of academic programs at Edmonds College, allowing you to focus on subjects that genuinely interest you and align with your career aspirations.
- Adult Learning Environment: Be treated as an adult in a college setting, fostering independence and responsibility.
Is EdCAP Your Path to Success? Eligibility and Considerations
To determine if EdCAP is the right program for you, consider the eligibility criteria:
- No High School Diploma: You do not currently possess a high school diploma (GED® is acceptable).
- Washington State Resident: You currently reside in Washington state.
- Age Requirement: You are at least 16 and not yet 21 years old on or before September 1st of the school year you wish to start.
- Credit Deficiency or Counselor Recommendation: You are significantly credit deficient or have a counselor recommendation confirming you are unlikely to graduate by age 21.
Note: Multilingual students may need to participate in district language screening. Students eligible for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will need to co-enroll at a local high school to continue receiving services.
Once enrolled and eligible, you remain eligible until you achieve a high school diploma, an associate degree, or until August of the school year in which you turn 21.
Important Factors to Keep in Mind
While EdCAP offers incredible opportunities, it’s important to understand certain aspects:
- Resource Differences: EdCAP does not provide the same resources as traditional high schools, such as transportation or meals.
- FERPA Compliance: EdCAP adheres to Edmonds College’s FERPA policies, meaning parent/guardian access to student records is not automatic.
- Adult Expectations: EdCAP students under 18 are not given special considerations based on age and are expected to navigate a college environment.
- Exposure to Diverse Ideas: College coursework may expose students to a broad range of ideas and materials, which may differ from high school content.
- On-Campus Program: EdCAP is not an online school or credit retrieval program; enrollment signifies a full transition to the program.
Ready to take the next step? Get Started on your journey with the Edmonds Career Access Program and unlock your full potential!
