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You can earn college credit for advanced standing, dual credit, Start College Now, Early College Credit Program, or youth apprenticeship coursework while in high school.
The Start College Now program allows high school students to attend Northwood 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:
- A completed Start College Now application approved and signed by the school board listing the eligible courses.
- A current high school transcript.
- ACT scores.
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 apply by March 1 for the fall semester or October 1 for the spring semester. Forms are available in your high school counseling office.
Start College Now Application Instructions
Start College Now Application
Start College Now Brochure
Beginning Fall 2018, high school students at public and private high schools in Wisconsin can earn college credit through the Early College Credit Program (ECCP). A student selected for the program may be permitted to enroll in a UW System institution to take one or more courses for which the student may earn high school credit, post-secondary credit, or both.
How to apply for the Early College Credit Program:
- Talk with your high school counselor to see if it’s a good fit for you. They will consider how the class aligns with academic plans and whether you meet the pre-requisite for taking a college level class. Ask when, and to whom, the materials must be submitted to at your high school.
- Request information from UW System campuses where you’d like to take classes
- Obtain an ECCP participation form from your high school counselor or download it from the link below.
- Submit your completed form to your school officials by the designated due date.
- Follow the application or registration requirements at the campus or program you’d like to take classes with.
- Make sure to submit any required documentation (i.e.high school transcripts along with any prerequisite documentation (AP scores))
- Enroll in your class
Early College Credit Program Application
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.
Spooner High School has an advanced standing agreement with Northwood Technical College. Upon completing the courses and enrolling at Northwood Tech, you will be granted credit for the courses already taken. Our advanced standing courses can be found in the Spooner High School Railroad Map and are notated with the Northwood Tech logo.
High school students who take these classes must pass with "B" or better according to the stated guidelines in the agreement and are responsible for letting Northwood Tech know they took the classes to earn credit once they are admitted to Northwood Tech.
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.
Students who take these classes must pass with a "C" or better and will already have these classes recorded on their Northwood Tech transcript upon entering Northwood Tech.
Youth Apprenticeship is a comprehensive one or 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. Northwood Tech 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.