About Tech Prep
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TECH PREP
Tech Prep is dedicated to helping students get connected to clear, meaningful educational pathways which lead to successful career opportunties. Students can earn college credit on the high school campus for courses taken that prepare them for a career in a vocational or technical field. Information from this website can help you get a jump start on your future!
What is College Tech Prep?
The College Tech Prep/Dual Credit program in Whatcom County is part of a nationwide effort to help high school students identify careers that interest them, and then start building career skills while still in high school. The completion of a College Tech Prep program can result in preparation for entry level employment or provide an opportunity to pursue a certificate or associate degree from any Washington State community or technical college, or further advanced education at a 4-year college or university. Participation in the program will assist students in developing an individual plan that matches their interests, abilities, and educational goals.
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Partnership Agreements
Dual credit programs in Whatcom County are sponsored by a partnership of local High Schools, Bellingham Technical College, Whatcom Community College plus representatives of local business and industry. The partnership organization is called the Whatcom Tech Prep Consortium. The Consortium sponsors a variety of programs designed to support a student's transition from high school to postsecondary education or workplace opportunities.
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Who Can Participate?
Dual Credit programs enable qualified students to get a jump start on their postsecondary education. College Tech Prep pathway programs link the high school career and technical education curriculum with community or technical college education through a sequence of courses designed to provide the necessary skill and training for various professional-technical occupations.
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Where are Classes Taught?
Tech Prep courses are taught in local high schools by qualified high school instructors. High school and college instructors have determined that certain vocational or technical high school classes meet the entry level course requirements of comparable college courses. Any high school student may take a Tech Prep course, but only those who fulfill course and registration requirements will qualify to earn "dual credits." Dual credit means you will earn high school and college credit at the same time. Taking a Tech Prep course does not affect the high school transcript. Click here to view the current list of Programs and Articulation Courses offered.
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Earn College Credits in High School!
Dual Credit articulation agreements are developed between the high school and college instructors. The agreements establish the requirements for completing the course at the college level. College credit can be granted to high school students who achieve the competency standard established for the particular course/program. Students who earn a grade of 'B' or better in a College Tech Prep course and meet all other articulation requirements may apply for college credits. All you pay is a one-time application fee of $25 to the selected college -- no matter how many College Tech Prep courses you complete. Students earning college credits will receive a transcript from the college indicating the college course(s) taken, credits earned and grade received.
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Why Take College Tech Prep Classes?
- Taking Tech Prep classes is smart thinking!
- Tech Prep students complete courses that help prepare them for career opportunities beyond high school.
- Tech Prep students learn what they need to know and do to be productive in the world of work.
- Tech Prep students take college courses while attending classes on their high school campus.
- Tech Prep students save time and tuition dollars by getting a head start on fulfilling college degree or certificate requirements.
- Tech Prep students may receive priority registration as a "continuing" college student if attending the partner community/technical college after high school graduation.
- Tech Prep students may be able to bypass entry-level college courses when they enroll in a community or technical college.
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It's This Easy
- Visit the Career Center at your high school for a list of College Dual Credit classess or for help in selecting classes that match your career pathway.
- Talk to your teacher about enrolling in the class for College Tech Prep credit.
- Request a copy of the Competency Profile for the college course you are taking.
- During the semester, work with your teacher to achieve the required skills and competencies.
- Earn at least a "B" grade in the College Tech Prep class.
- Using the on-line system, complete the College Tech Prep Direct Credit registration process.
- Submit your registration form and one-time application fee of $25, to the address indicated.
- Be miles ahead when you start college!!
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How to Register for Tech Prep College Credit
- Complete the Dual Credit registration process online http://techprepwa.org/wa/wtpc
- Print two copies of the registration form; mail one printed copy to the address given below by the deadline indicated (keep one copy for your records).
- If you are a first-time applicant, attach a $25 personal check (or supply credit card information) made payable to: WC - Tech Prep (Whatcom County Tech Prep).
- Earn a "B" grade or better in high school courses required for college credits.
- High school teachers will verify your grade on-line. Teachers can only verify grades for students who have completed the registration process by the deadline.
MAIL Registration Form and $25 fee to: (Make check payable to WC-Tech Prep)
Whatcom Tech Prep Consortium
Attn: Business Office
3028 Lindbergh Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225
More Questions about College Tech Prep?
Please Contact:
- Your high school Counselor or Career Center Specialist
- High School Career & Technical Education program instructors teaching approved College Tech Prep courses
- Email questions to: techprep@btc.ctc.edu
- Phone Whatcom County Tech Prep Consortium: 360.752.8409
- Visit the Consortium Office: 3028 Lindbergh Ave., Bellingham (BTC campus)
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