For adults who want to go to college but don't yet have a high school diploma, Spokane Community College (SCC) is making it possible to work toward both goals at once.
SCC has introduced a new approach to its High School + program that allows eligible students to earn college credits while completing their high school requirements. By applying college coursework toward both goals, students can make progress toward a high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time, potentially shortening the time it takes to complete college.
“What we’ve created is essentially Running Start for adults,” said SCC President Dr. Jenni Martin. “It offers all the same benefits of Running Start to people who aren’t in the high school system anymore. We think it’s one of the most efficient paths to finishing college if you’re older and don’t have a high school credential yet.”
Financial support helps students get started
A key part of the approach is making the first steps into college more affordable. SCC combines its existing High School + waiver with Washington state's Ability to Benefit (ATB) provisions to help eligible students complete their first six college credits without paying out of pocket.
After successfully completing those credits, students may qualify for federal financial aid, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements.
While some community and technical colleges in Washington offer a High School + waiver for students taking college-level classes, and others offer ATB on a limited basis, SCC is the first college in the state to combine the two.
“The program design is faculty-driven, student-centered, and focused on moving students from earning their high school diploma through a college degree in significantly less time,” said SCC Vice President of Instruction Jaclyn Jacot.
A supported introduction to college
For adults who have been away from school for years, starting college can feel like a big step. SCC's approach gives students an opportunity to become familiar with college-level coursework and expectations while continuing to work toward their high school diploma.
The college also monitors student progress and provides academic support to help them stay on track.
“Initially, we try to give students a college experience without the college pressure,” said Sherri Fujita, dean of Adult Basic Education at SCC. “But our top priority is to preserve their funding. We don't want anyone to come to college, get stuck along the way, then leave with a couple thousand dollars in debt and never come back to finish. We're trying to set students up for success on every front.”
The goal is to help students build confidence, earn college credits and develop a clearer path toward their longer-term educational goals without taking on unnecessary financial risk.
You don't have to have it all figured out
Adults interested in earning a high school diploma and beginning college coursework can contact SCC's Adult Basic Education program to explore available options and determine which pathway best fits their goals.
Students don't need to have a specific career or degree plan in mind before getting started. The first step is simply deciding to continue their education.
“You don’t have to know where you’re going to end up when you start,” Fujita said. “You just have to know that you want to start.”