Youth Options
What is Youth Options? This program opens the door to greater learning opportunities for motivated
and academically qualified students. Students, who are considering a technical
career, wishing to begin college early, or want to prepare to enter the workforce
immediately after high school graduation, will be interested in the Youth Options
program. How does it work? Your local school board determines if a college course is acceptable for high
school credit and is not comparable to any course offered by the school district. Local school districts will pay for full tuition and required books for approved
courses. How to Get Started? Your school district will determine if the course(s) is approved and notify
you of the decision. Approved courses can be taken at any time during the regular
academic year with the exception of summer term. Youth Options Application Process Youth Options Program Plan and Report Form Important Tips Some courses have prerequisites that must be met prior to enrollment. Check
with Gateway Technical College’s Youth Options Counselors to confirm. Graduate Testimonials As a 2009 graduate of Lake Geneva Badger High School, Ashley has only 4 general
education credits to complete in Fall 2009 for eligibility to petition for
nursing clinicals in October, which puts her a full year ahead of 2009 incoming
Nursing students. While in the Youth Options program, Ashley became a certified nursing assistant
and has worked as a private CNA for more than a year, appreciating the income
this brings. Also, she completed the EMT course her senior year and now volunteers
as an EMT in the Lake Geneva area. Recently, Ashley had an opportunity to use her newly-acquired EMT knowledge
from the course in an on-the-scene intervention medical emergency. Ashley’s academic relationships with Gateway’s instructors have
been a cornerstone to her high school achievements. She says they have always
been available and willing to speak with her and she benefited greatly from
the connection and advice they have given her. Ashley credits one instructor
for renewing her passion of writing by his weekly inputs with her writing assignments. Because of Ashley’s positive experiences at Gateway, she “highly
recommends the Youth Options Program.” “Every high school student -- those who plan to go on to a four-year
university, Gateway, or directly to work -- can benefit from the program,” says
Ashley. “It’s a great way to gain an edge in your career.” YOP Counselors Burlington/Elkhorn campuses Kenosha Campus Racine Campus
Youth Options is a state wide program that allows eligible public high school
juniors and seniors to take college level courses and earn credit toward a high
school diploma and a college degree at the same time.
High school students who are entering their junior or senior year and are in
good academic standing with no record of disciplinary problems may qualify
to take college courses at Gateway Technical College.
Talk with your high school guidance counselor to determine if you are eligible
for Youth Options and to begin the application process. The deadline for
applying to your school district is March 1st for fall semester and October
1st for spring semester.
Students may be responsible for some college fees, equipment and supplies as
well as transportation to and from Gateway Technical College.
Ashley Bauer, 18, is a Nursing degree student who used her time well in the Youth
Options Program at Gateway Technical College – and will be able enter the
workforce a year ahead of her peers, getting her career off the ground more quickly
and affordably.
All counselors by program area
262-767-5300 Burlington
262-741-8300 Elkhorn
Cyndean Jennings
262-564-2300
jenningsc@gtc.edu
Eugene "Reggie" Parks
262-619-6312
parkse@gtc.edu
Updated: 9/30/2009 | Comment about this page.
