Unlock Your Future with a Career Access Program at Edmonds College

Are you a young adult aged 16-21 in Washington State looking for a flexible and supportive path to achieve your educational and career aspirations? The Edmonds Career Access Program (EdCAP) offers a unique career access program designed to help you reach your goals, whether it’s earning a GED®, high school diploma, professional certificates, or even an associate degree. Partnering with the Edmonds School District and Edmonds College through the Washington State Open Doors program, EdCAP provides not only diverse educational opportunities but also crucial support systems and financial assistance to guide you every step of the way.

What Educational Goals Can You Achieve Through Our Career Access Program?

EdCAP is more than just a program; it’s a springboard to your future. Our comprehensive career access program empowers you to achieve a range of educational milestones, tailored to your individual needs and ambitions:

Earn Your GED®: For students seeking a General Educational Development credential, EdCAP offers the resources and support necessary to prepare for and pass the GED® exam. This nationally recognized credential opens doors to further education and employment opportunities.
Obtain a High School Diploma: Through our partnership with the Edmonds School District, you can earn an accredited high school diploma. This pathway is ideal for students who wish to complete their high school education in a supportive and college-based environment.
Gain Professional-Technical Certificates: Jumpstart your career with industry-recognized professional-technical certificates. EdCAP provides access to a variety of programs at Edmonds College, equipping you with practical skills and qualifications demanded by today’s job market. This is a direct route into specific career fields.
Achieve an Associate Degree: Begin your higher education journey by earning an Associate Degree at Edmonds College. EdCAP students who complete an Associate of Arts (AA) degree can even bypass the state’s standard 24-credit graduation requirements when pursuing an Edmonds College diploma, accelerating their academic progress.
Combine Your Educational Pathways: The flexibility of our career access program allows you to combine these options to create a personalized educational plan that perfectly aligns with your career aspirations. Whether you need foundational skills, a high school credential, or a college degree, EdCAP can help you build the right combination for success.

Furthermore, EdCAP serves as an invaluable opportunity for skill enhancement, exploring different career paths, and improving English language proficiency for many students.

Key Support Systems Provided by Our Career Access Program

We understand that navigating education as a young adult requires more than just coursework. Our career access program is built on a foundation of comprehensive support to ensure your success:

Financial Support: Eliminate financial barriers with free tuition, course fees, textbooks, and essential course materials. EdCAP is committed to making education accessible and affordable for all eligible students.
Academic Foundation Building: Start strong with our dedicated EdCAP introductory course. This course is specifically designed to cultivate essential academic habits, study skills, and college readiness, setting you up for success in all your coursework.
Personalized Guidance: Benefit from consistent, one-on-one case management and advising support throughout each quarter. Our dedicated advisors are there to provide personalized guidance, address your individual needs, and help you stay on track to achieve your educational and career goals.
Career Exploration and Development: Explore various career options and develop crucial skills for the workforce through our career exploration and skill development opportunities. We help you connect your education to real-world career paths and prepare you for future employment.
Seamless Transition Planning: We provide dedicated support for your next steps after graduation. Whether you plan to transfer to a four-year university, enter the workforce, or pursue further vocational training, EdCAP helps you create a solid plan for your future.

The Advantages of Studying at Edmonds College Through Our Career Access Program

Choosing Edmonds College as your learning environment through our career access program offers numerous benefits designed to support your unique needs as a young adult learner:

Flexible Scheduling: Design your education to fit your life. With classes offered at various times, you can create a schedule that works for you, typically involving 2-4 days on campus and approximately 5-15 hours of class time per week, with homework time varying by course. This flexibility allows you to balance your education with other commitments.
Extended Eligibility for Personalized Learning: Work at your own pace and level. EdCAP’s extended eligibility allows you to take college and/or high school level classes as long as you meet the prerequisites. This personalized approach recognizes that students learn at different paces and ensures you can succeed without unnecessary pressure.
Comprehensive College Resources: Access the extensive resources available to all Edmonds College students. From tutoring and academic advising to library services and student support programs, you’ll have everything you need to thrive academically and personally.
Diverse Academic Programs: Explore a wide range of academic programs at Edmonds College. You have the freedom to focus on subjects that genuinely interest you and align with your career aspirations. Edmonds College offers a robust catalog of programs to suit diverse interests and career goals.
Adult Learning Environment: Experience a campus culture that treats you as an adult. Edmonds College fosters a respectful and mature learning environment, empowering you to take ownership of your education and personal growth.

Important Considerations for Our Career Access Program

While EdCAP offers significant advantages, it’s important to be aware of a few key considerations:

Different Resources than High Schools: EdCAP does not provide the same resources as traditional high schools, such as transportation and meals. Students are responsible for their own transportation and meal arrangements.
FERPA Policies: EdCAP adheres to Edmonds College’s FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) policies. This means that parents or guardians are not automatically granted access to student records and information. Students manage their own educational records and communication.
Adult Expectations for All Students: EdCAP students under 18 are not given special accommodations or considerations based on their age. All students are expected to meet the same academic and behavioral standards as adult college students.
Exposure to College-Level Content: College classes expose students to a wide spectrum of ideas, philosophies, and materials, some of which may be considered mature or challenging for younger learners. Students should be prepared for an environment of diverse perspectives and academic inquiry.
Not an Online or Credit Retrieval Program: EdCAP is an in-person program at Edmonds College. It is not an online school or a credit retrieval program. Enrolling in EdCAP signifies a full transition to our program and learning environment.

Eligibility for Our Career Access Program

To be eligible for EdCAP, students must meet the following criteria:

No High School Diploma: Applicants must not currently possess a high school diploma (GED® is acceptable).
Washington State Residency: Students must currently reside in Washington State.
Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 16 years old and not yet 21 years old on or before September 1st of the school year they wish to begin.
Credit Deficiency or Counselor Recommendation: Students must be significantly credit deficient or have a counselor recommendation stating they are unlikely to graduate from high school by the age of 21.

Students identified as Multi-Lingual may need to participate in district screening or testing for language development. Students eligible for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will need to co-enroll at a local high school to continue receiving IEP services.

Duration of Eligibility in Our Career Access Program

Once enrolled and eligible, students remain eligible for EdCAP until one of the following occurs:

Awarded a High School Diploma: Upon receiving a high school diploma through EdCAP.
Awarded an Associate Degree: Upon earning an associate degree from Edmonds College.
Age 21: Eligibility ends in August of the school year in which the student turns 21. For example, a student turning 21 in July ages out in August of that year. A student turning 21 in September ages out in August of the following year.

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