Youth Options
The intent of the Youth Options program is to provide expanded opportunities for you to take post secondary (college-level) courses for high school credit, college credit, or both at participating institutions of higher learning while still enrolled in high school.
Public high school juniors and seniors who meet certain requirements can participate in coursework at a Wisconsin post secondary educational institution if the local high school district does not have a comparable course.
Youth Options can open the door to greater learning opportunities if you are considering a technical career, want to begin college early, or would like to prepare to enter the workforce immediately after high school graduation.
You are eligible to attend Western under the Youth Options program:
- 1. If the secondary district school board determines and documents that you:
- Have the written approval to participate in the program from your parent or guardian.
- are enrolled in a public school and have completed the 10th grade.
- are in good academic standing.
- do not meet the statutory definition of a "child at risk" (that is, a child who is one or more years behind his/her age group in the number of high school credits attained or two or more years behind in basic skill level and who is a dropout, habitual truant, parent or adjudicated delinquent).
- 2. If you have completed less than two semesters as a senior.
- 3. If you meet the requirements and prerequisites of the course(s) for which you have applied.
- 4. When the Department of Public Instruction Youth Options Program Plan and Report (PI-8700A) has been completed and submitted to the technical college.
The secondary school district must pay for any course that is taken for both high school and college credit that is not comparable to a course offered in the local secondary school district. In addition to attendance at the Western La Crosse Campus, courses are available through distance learning (ITV), Regional Learning Centers, contracted courses in high schools, and certificate programs.
If you would like more information about Youth Options, talk to your high school guidance counselor or Kay Kastenschmidt at 608.785.8578 or KastenschmidtK@westerntc.edu.
