High School students enrolled in Career Academy programs can complete a year of college while still in high school.

A student can participate in a Career Academy as a Junior or Senior. The student attends a college class during part of their school day, and spends the remainder of their day at their high school taking required and articulated classes.

Each school district must have a Tech Prep Agreement and a 28-E Agreement with Southwestern Community College before a student can enroll. All tuition and textbook costs are paid through a combination of high school, SWCC, and state incentive funds. There is no cost to the student except for transportation and/or tool cost in some programs. The student can earn up to one year of credit towards an AA Degree by the completion of his/her senior year. At that time, a student can choose to go to work or continue his/her college education at SWCC to earn an Associate Degree. Upon earning an Associate Degree, a student may then choose to transfer to a higher education institute through a special articulation program previously arranged by Southwestern to earn a baccalaureate degree.

Benefits:

* Save one year's time and one year's college tuition/book costs.
* Receive dual credit for completed course work.
* Ease transition to college
* Enhance self-esteem and self-confidence.
* Develop career focus and achieve academic/personal goals.

Current Career Academies:

Automotive Technology
Building Trades/Carpentry
Business Systems Networking
Drafting
Health