CONNECTING STUDENTS TO OPPORTUNITIES AND EMPLOYERS TO TALENT

Youth Apprenticeship (YA) is a 1 or 2-year program that gives juniors and seniors in high school the chance to explore a career area of interest. Students can spend part of their school day earning credit and wages while they gain valuable industry experience under the guidance of a local business mentor.

The Wisconsin YA Program is offered to Waunakee HS juniors and seniors who are willing to commit to a paid work experience of 450 hours per year, who enroll in concurrent related instruction, and who would like to earn school credit for a work-based experience in their chosen future career pathway.  Waunakee students, parents, or community members who are interested in learning more about this program should contact Ms. Michelle McGlynn and review the program information included on this page. Successful completion of the program will include earning one elective credit per semester, a certification from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, a paid work experience with an experienced mentor, and a priceless work-based learning experience that will support students in future career endeavors.

The Wisconsin YA Program is offered to Waunakee HS juniors and seniors who are willing to commit to a paid work experience of 450 hours per year, who enroll in concurrent related instruction, and who would like to earn school credit for a work based experience in their chosen future career pathway.

A very brief overview of the YA Program Process at WCHS includes:

• Student & Parent/Caretaker Information Night Session (offered virtually, requires registration)
• Student Interest Form submission
• Student interview
• Worksite mentor with paid work experience
• Level 1 (one-year program) is 450 hours, and Level 2 (two-year program) is 900 hours
• Periodic work site and coordinator evaluations
• Online journaling and reporting of hours
• Concurrent enrollment in related coursework every semester of the program
• Completion of final checklist/evaluation with work mentor
• Students will earn 1.0 credit per semester while successfully enrolled in the YA Program
• Students may be eligible for school-day work release while participating in the program
• Provided all expectations of the Program are met by all deadlines, the student will earn a State Youth Apprenticeship Certification
• It is the responsibility of the student to secure a placement for employment; however, the STC Coordinator will help facilitate the process.

The Youth Apprenticeship Program covers 16 different occupational career program areas.  Within each program, there may be multiple pathways for students to choose from.  Students will need to select a specific pathway within an occupational program area to participate in. 

Occupational Program Area (with links to DWD info pages)	Pathway Areas
Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources Occupational Program	Ag Mechanic Animal Fundamentals (also includes Animal Herd, Dairy Grazier, and Small Animal/Vet Tech) Arborist Plant Fundamentals (also includes Crops, Floral Greenhouse, Landscaping, and Environmental Systems)
Architecture and Construction Occupational Program	Architectural Drafting Carpentry Fundamentals Electrical Fundamentals Gas Distribution Tech Heavy Equipment Operator Masonry/Concrete Fundamentals Mechanical/HVAC Plumbing/Sprinkler Fitter Utilities Field Tech
Arts, AV Technology, and Communications Occupational Program	Graphic Design Media Broadcast Tech Pre and Post Press Operation
Business Administration Occupational Program	Administrative Professional Human Resources Professional
Education Occupational Program	Early Childhood Education School Age Education
Finance Occupational Program	Accounting Banking & Related Services Insurance
Government and Public Administration Occupational Program	Government Project Management
Health Science Occupational Program	Dental Assistant Dietary Aide Medical Assistant Medical Imaging Medical Lab Assistant Medical Office Nursing Assistant Optical Assistant Pharmacy Tech Phlebotomist Physical Therapy Aide Resident Aide
Hospitality and Tourism Occupational Program	Restaurant & Food/Beverage Services Lodging Meetings & Events
Human Services Occupational Program	Barber & Cosmetology
Information Technology Occupational Program	Broadband Tech IT Essentials IT Network Systems IT Software and Application Development
Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security Occupational Program	Fire Protection Law Enforcement
Manufacturing Occupational Program	Assembly and Packaging Electromechanical Mechatronics Industrial Equipment Machining Manufacturing Processes Production Operations Welding
Marketing Occupational Program	Marketing Communication Marketing Management Merchandising Professional Sales Marketing Research
STEM Occupational Program	Bioscience Lab Foundations (also Bioscience Applications) Engineering Drafting (also Civil Engineering and Mechanical/Electrical Engineering)
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Occupational Program	Auto Tech Aviation Maintenance (also Airframe & Powerplant Tech, Airport Operations Management, and Avionics Tech) Collision Repair Diesel Tech Supply Chain Assistant (also Distribution Transportation Operations, Inventory Management, Planning/Purchasing, and Storage/Warehousing)

 

Students interested in a Youth Apprenticeship for the 2026-2027 school year should mark their calendars for the Annual Youth Apprenticeship Information Nights.  All interested students and parents/caretakers are encouraged to attend ONE information night session (VIRTUAL) before submitting a YA Interest Form (see Youth Apprenticeship Application Materials below).

Please access the flyers on the right of this page (English and Spanish available) for more information and to register!

1. November 12, 2025
2. December 3, 2025
3. January 21, 2026
4. February 18, 2026
5. March 11, 2026 (This info session is for students who are interested in exploring healthcare or biotech career pathways and hearing about opportunities specific to UW Health and BTCI.  Students interested in either of these employers/programs MUST attend this specific session).

• Youth Apprenticeship Interest Form
• Youth Apprenticeship Parent/Caretaker Support Form (coming soon)

Students in the YA Program are required to enroll and successfully complete (C or better) a technical related course every semester of the program.

At WCHS, there are a wide variety of courses that are available in each of the YA Career Pathways, as well as enrichment courses that may be offered through Start College Now (Madison College), or Early College Credit Program (UW Madison or Edgewood).  Review this document to view the listing of YA Technical Related courses at WCHS.

Looking for potential opportunities in your chosen career pathway? Check out job listings on Indeed, talk to family, friends, and neighbors for potential job leads. Also speak to Mrs. McGlynn about other local connections.

Currently Employed?  Guess what? Your current employment MAY qualify for the program if you are already working in a supported career pathway! Check with Mrs. McGlynn to set up a meeting to discuss your job functions and connect your current employer with the program.

 

Typically, students will receive information during 10th and 11th grade, around December. Applications are collected anytime, but round one applications are due by mid-January. In February and March, students will be invited into the counseling office for a screening interview and next steps shared.  Students should have a resume ready at the time of this screening meeting.

For each semester enrolled in the YA Program, successful completion will earn 1.0 elective credit each semester, for a maximum of 4.0 credits over a two-year program period. The program is graded and will affect a student’s GPA.  Grading includes an academic component and employer evaluations.  

Students enrolled in the Waunakee YA Program will use Schoology to view and submit assignments related to their work experience.  The academic component is required and part of a student’s program grade.

Students will use a mobile app called JobReady360 to submit all work hours for approval. This is completely separate from an employer's payroll system.

Students who are enrolled in an approved work-based learning program (YA) may qualify for work releases each semester. Releases are dependent on school attendance, passing grades, and being on track for graduation. Releases may be approved for a single block each semester, or multiple blocks, based on several factors that can be discussed with the STC Coordinator.

 

Students enrolled in the Waunakee YA Program will be required to participate in quarterly (~3 x per year) evaluations with their employer and Ms. McGlynn. These evaluations will be used, along with the academic component, to determine progress grades for each student.

For each Occupational Program/Pathway Area, there is a required checklist that will be used throughout the program year. This OJL Guide will be shared with employer mentors at the beginning of the program and used as an evaluative tool throughout the program. To view each Occupational Program Area and Pathway Checklist, please access this document.

In certain pathways, the YA Skills Checklist requires that students earn an Industry Certification as part of program completion.  A few examples include:

• Nursing Assistant Certification (CNA) for the Nursing Assistant Program
• OSHA 10 and First Aid for the Construction Program
• Electrical Certification for Construction-Electrician Program

1. Who do I talk to if I'm interested in Youth Apprenticeship?
   • Your first contact should be with Mrs. McGlynn, School to Career Coordinator.  Her office can be found in the counseling office area, or you can set up a virtual meeting with her using this link.  It is also good practice to speak with your HS counselor regarding your interest as they can help you navigate class registration and other general questions.
2. If I am planning on going to a four-year university, is the YA Program for me?
   • Yes!  Many of our YA pathways are directly related to a post-secondary education/degree.  The program is a great way to add that extra component to a college application, a scholarship, or a future post-secondary program.  It also provides an opportunity to clarify a chosen career pathway for a student before spending any time or money on the related post-secondary experience. Last, the YA program will offer many opportunities to network with career professionals who may be able to support a student in the future with references, connections in the industry, or best practices in a specific career pathway.
3. I am a student athlete, will I be able to participate in the YA Program?
   • The answer to this question is yes, maybe. However, students should understand that there is an hour requirement for the program (450 hours per year), and so multiple sport athletes MAY have difficulty balancing work hours with the time required to be an athlete in your respective program(s).  For example, an employer may need a student to work afternoons and early evenings as they are not open on weekends.  An athlete will likely have practices, games, and other responsibilities immediately after school for an entire athletic season (or seasons) which will inhibit their ability to be scheduled at the workplace.
4. What happens if I am approved for the YA Program but am unable to find a workplace/mentor?
   • We will do everything possible to help support students finding a workplace for the program, but there are no guarantees that an employer/mentor will be found to hire a student participant.  Students should talk to parents, teachers, counselors, and Mrs. McGlynn to find connections in the local community and surrounding area that would be willing to hire a student apprentice in a chosen career pathway.
5. Can I use a volunteer experience or unpaid internship for the YA Program?
   • While both volunteering and unpaid internships are valuable experiences for any high school student, neither would qualify for the Youth Apprenticeship Program.  We follow the guidelines under the State of Wisconsin, which requires the experience to be "paid at a wage of no less than minimum wage."
6. What is the minimum GPA requirement for the YA Program?
   • There is no minimum requirement to apply or get approved for the program.  However, in order to maintain work releases and meet qualifications of the program, all courses must be passing AND related technical coursework must earn no less than a C- each semester.
7. Where can I find more information on the State of Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship or Registered Apprenticeship Programming?
   • Please visit:  https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/det/partners.htm and click on Registered Apprenticeship or Youth Apprenticeship for more information.  In addition, you may find useful resources regarding WIOA, The Job Center of Wisconsin, or WisConnect.
8. Who are some local Waunakee businesses who have partnered with Waunakee High School for the YA Program to employ high school apprentices?
   • We are always looking for more business partners, so if you have a business that might be interested, please let Mrs. McGlynn know!  Some local businesses who have mentored our high school apprentices include (but are not limited to):

Warrior Media, Nord Gear, Endres Manufacturing, The Lone Girl, Home Again Assisted Living, Waunakee Valley Senior Living, One Community Bank, May Vision, Waunakee Vet Clinic, RG Heating/Cooling/Plumbing, Waunakee Community School District, Walgreens, Lake Ridge Bank, and more!

9. What if I am unable to find an employer in Waunakee?
   • We have placed students with employers in the surrounding area, so if a student is willing to travel, there are also these opportunities. We always try to find a mentor that is as close to the district as possible.  Some employers who have partnered with our program and hired Waunakee apprentices include (but are not limited to):

Rejuvenation Spa, Findorff, Evco Plastics, Lodi Vet, Dave Jones Inc, JP Cullen, Hottmann Construction, The Medicine Shoppe, North Central Utilities, The Melting Pot, Pieper Electric, Zimbrick Auto, More Smiles - WI, UW Health, SSM Health, Westphal Electric, Vogel Bros., and Vetesnik/MadCity PowerSports.

 

Becoming a teacher gives you the opportunity to make an impact on society by shaping our next generation through providing students with the tools and knowledge to form their own opinions, make a contribution, and influence society in the future. Teachers help shape every career pathway and teach problem-solving, collaboration, independence, and innovation.

Early Childhood Education and/or School-Age Children Youth Apprenticeship

Students must apply for this experience. In order to provide an opportunity for our students who are interested in Education as a future career pathway, students must apply to the Youth Apprenticeship Program.  The program includes a partnership with a Waunakee (or other local) licensed educator who is willing to mentor a High School student, in 11th and/or 12th grade, in an Education Pathway. The partnership would focus on Early Childhood or Grades K-6. A state skills checklist will be used to evaluate the HS student at the end of the program, with periodic in-person evaluations to be completed by the School to Career Coordinator. Students will be allowed to schedule apprenticeship releases into their schedule, and will be responsible for their own transportation to the approved apprenticeship site. An hour requirement would be 450 annual paid hours to earn 1.0 credit per semester.  Students may repeat this experience for up to two years.

Future Educator Intern

Students must apply for this experience. In order to provide an opportunity for our students who are interested in Education as a future career pathway (not including Early Childhood Education), students may apply to this unpaid internship program. To align with current programming, this program would be similar to the Youth Apprenticeship Programs. The program includes a partnership with a Waunakee (or other local) licensed educator who is willing to mentor a High School student, in 11th and/or 12th grade, in an Education Pathway. The partnership would focus on grades K-6. A skills checklist will be established and used to evaluate the HS student at the end of the program, with periodic in-person evaluations to be completed by the School to Career Coordinator. Students will be allowed to schedule internship releases into their schedule the same as other work-based learning students, and will be responsible for their own transportation to the approved internship site. An hour requirement would be 90 logged hours per semester to earn 0.5 credit or 180 logged hours to earn 1.0 credit. There would be no pay involved, but students would earn either 0.5 or 1.0 credit per semester for the internship based on the minimum hour requirement being met as well as journaling requirements and a record of successful evaluations. Students may repeat this experience for up to two years.

Assistant Child Care Teacher (ACCT) Certification

The Wisconsin Assistant Child Care Teacher (ACCT) Cooperative Education Certificate recognizes a student’s mastery of employability skills valued by employers in a variety of worksite settings while helping students explore career interests.  Students enrolled in Child Care II at the high school level will have the opportunity to earn this certification in class.

Certified Nursing Assistant There are many benefits for earning your Nursing Assistant Certificate while still in high school.  Your first step is to determine when your personal schedule will work best for taking a CNA Program Course, which may be associated with our Youth Apprenticeship program.  Next, you should determine when you hope to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant.  The answer to those two questions will help you narrow down when best to take the course.  Remember, in order to renew your Nursing Assistant Certificate, you need to work in the field within two years of earning the certificate.  Students who successfully complete an approved CNA training program will earn a grade on their transcript and 0.75 elective credits.  Tuition is paid for by the district for an approved course through the School to Career office.  Scrubs, transportation, and exam fees are the responsibility of the student.  However, financial support may be available upon request. For our Quality CNA Program, please email michellemcglynn@waunakee.k12.wi.us to request available local schedules (Waunakee, Madison, Fitchburg) and the digital application that must be submitted and then approved based on seat availability. Option 1: Taking the course during the Summer. (Between Sophomore and Junior or Junior and Senior Years) Best option for students wishing to participate in the Youth Apprenticeship program Junior or Senior Year Does not interfere with school schedules and will allow you to take a full schedule during the school year May interfere with family vacations or mission trips etc... May choose to enroll at Madison College or through the Waunakee STC Coordinator (Quality CNA) Option 2: Taking the course sometime during the school year. Offers various times and places to take the course in both semesters Must sign up through the Start College Now program if interested in attending Madison College (deadlines apply) Must sign up early through the Waunakee STC Coordinator for the Quality CNA course Options for courses are usually offered late afternoons or evenings, and potentially weekends Could interfere with school breaks May still participate in the Youth Apprenticeship program once the certification is earned For our Healthcare Workforce TRAINING INSTITUTE, please email michellemcglynn@waunakee.k12.wi.us to request the available local schedule (Lodi) and the digital application that must be submitted and then approved based on seat availability. Students wishing to participate in the Youth Apprenticeship program need to complete a Youth Apprenticeship application found on the Youth Apprenticeship website.  For questions and more information please see Ms. McGlynn, School to Career Coordinator. Students MAY pursue their CNA without being part of the Youth Apprenticeship Program.

The following off-site course is available to students who have a serious interest in the health science career pathway and who sign up with the STC Coordinator prior to classes reaching capacity.  the  Student fees for the course listed below will be covered by the STC Coordinator, but transportation to the course is the student's responsibility.  the course is graded and will be listed on the student's transcript. Biotechnology in the World of Medicine Biomedical science is an applied science discipline that studies the development and function of the human body at a molecular, cellular and whole body level, and focuses on diseases, drugs and re-search related to human health. This discipline offers a variety of career options at all educational levels for those who have obtained at least a high school diploma.  High school juniors and seniors will explore technologies used in the biomedical field. The Grand Challenges in Human Health, a project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will be utilized as a framework. This project is focused on one unifying purpose: to create new tools that can radically improve human health, especially in the developing world.  If interested please contact Ms. McGlynn, School to Career Coordinator, or your School Counselor. This course can be taken for HS Credit. Class will be held at Biopharmaceutical Technology Center in Fitchburg Class will be on Tuesday nights from 4:15 -7:00 p.m. Class will run in the spring semester Course flyer https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UKgw48tsO7wf4hbFjeu0Mi4K1W51WjTM/view?usp=sharing

The Employability Skills program offers students in 11th or 12th grade the opportunity to earn high school elective credit for working at a jobsite during the school year. Students must work a total of 90 hours per semester and complete additional homework requirements (online journals, coordinator meetings during Contact Time, Skills Portfolio). Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to earn an Employability Skills Certificate from the State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. This certificate is proof for students to show prospective employers they have what it takes when it comes to 21st Century Employability skills. Students will also earn a half credit per semester upon successful completion of the program, and may be eligible for work release during the school day.

Students interested in the program are required to meet with the School to Career Coordinator, Michelle McGlynn, to obtain necessary forms and approval.

More information on the State Employability Skills Program can be found at Wisconsin DPI Employability Skills Standard Program.

WCSD Academic & Career Planning

Waunakee Community School District is committed to providing academic and career planning support and activities for our students in grades 5-12. As part of our process, students will have opportunities throughout the year to participate in required and optional activities that will guide them through post-secondary academic and career exploration and goal planning. We believe that the ACP process is a collaborative effort between our students, school staff, parents, and the community to support ALL WCSD students.

What is ACP? Academic and Career Planning, or ACP, is a student-driven, adult-supported process in which students create and cultivate their own unique and information-based visions for post secondary success, obtained through self-exploration, career exploration, and the development of career management and planning skills. Why ACP? Education for Employment was established in 1985 in response to the growing concern over the number of youth who failed to make a successful transition from school to postsecondary endeavors. s. 121.02 (1)(m), Wis. Stats., states that every school board shall provide access to an Education for Employment program. Chapter PI 26, the administrative rule for this program, was revised and became effective on July 1, 2004.  On June 30, 2013, Wisconsin Statute 115.28(59) was signed to require implementation of academic and career planning (ACP) statewide beginning in 2017-18 for pupils enrolled in grades 6 to 12 in a school district. It was determined that rather than creating a new rule addressing ACP, the current PI26 would be updated and revised to include the required ACP components. Reference:  Wisconsin Department of Instruction, https://dpi.wi.gov/acp.  WCSD ACP Activity Highlights by Grade Level   Grade Level Activity Highlights Grade K-5 Career cluster discussions Grade 6 Xello interest inventories and inventory self-reflection Grade 7 Xello career cluster exploration Elective area presentations and course selection Job interview unit with resume and mock interview Grade 8 Xello setting career and life goals  Future Quest Small group conferencing with counseling staff Future Freshman Night (Elective Course Presentations) Grades 9-12 Waunakee Community High School Approved Regional Career Pathways (RCP) that include a minimum of (2) two CTE aligned career pathway courses, a work based learning opportunity, a related Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSO), Industry Recognized Credential opportunity, and dual enrollment (college credit) opportunity. Advanced Manufacturing Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Architecture & Construction Digital Technology Education & Training Patient Care Grade 9 Xello ability profiler Development of freshmen educational plan Middle to high school transition self-reflection Opportunity to enroll in dual enrollment courses Opportunity to earn Industry Recognized Credentials (MOS in Microsoft Office Advanced) Waunakee Career Lunch Wednesdays High School Club & Organization Fair Grade 10 Xello post-secondary plan PSAT (optional exam) Career Workshop course requirement with emphasis on career research, job applications, cover letter/resume development, and interviewing skills Mock Interviews with Industry Professionals Career Workshop presentation by counseling staff (post-academic planning) Sophomore conference (incl. parents) with counseling staff Development of sophomore educational plan Sophomore class registration meeting Opportunity to enroll in dual enrollment courses Opportunity to earn Industry Recognized Credentials (MOS in Microsoft Office Advanced and Microsoft Excel & Access) Waunakee Career Lunch Wednesdays High School Club & Organization Fair Grade 11 Development of junior educational plan Xello journaling Naviance Brag sheets and letters of recommendation Naviance College comparisons Financial Aid Night College 101 small group meetings PSAT (optional exam) ACT exam Post High School Planning Program Junior class registration meeting Opportunity to enroll in dual enrollment courses Opportunity to earn Industry Recognized Credentials (MOS in Microsoft Office Advanced and Microsoft Excel & Access; ASK Marketing, ASK Finance, ASK Management; ACCT in Child Care; OSHA; or CNA licensure) Waunakee Career Lunch Wednesdays High School Club & Organization Fair Opportunity to participate in Work Based Learning Programs such as Youth Apprenticeship, Employability Skills, DPI Skills Coop, or Future Educator Internship Opportunity to participate in the Start College Now or Early College Credit Planning Programs Grade 12 Development of senior educational plan Xello journaling Naviance ordering transcripts Senior class meeting with college essay writing workshop Scholarship Drive Law Class (required for all seniors) Opportunity to enroll in dual enrollment courses Opportunity to earn Industry Recognized Credentials (MOS in Microsoft Office Advanced and Microsoft Excel & Access; ASK Marketing, ASK Finance, ASK Management, ACCT in Child Care, OSHA, or CNA) Waunakee Career Lunch Wednesdays High School Club & Organization Fair Opportunity to participate in Work Based Learning Programs such as Youth Apprenticeship, Employability Skills, DPI Skills Coop, or Future Educator Internship Opportunity to participate in the Start College Now or Early College Credit Planning Programs Other activities specific to curricular areas are offered at various grade levels.

Industry Certification is a process of program evaluation ensuring that individual programs meet industry standards in the areas of curriculum, teacher certification, lab specifications, equipment, and industry involvement.  

Waunakee Community High School offers several different opportunities for students to earn industry certification. Students achieving a required score on industry certification tests will be eligible to be recognized by industry for the coursework completed at the high school level.

Industry Certifications are proof for students to show they have the advanced knowledge that industry is searching for as they fill necessary employment positions.  The certifications are a great way to put yourself a step above the rest when it comes to future applications and interviews.

Individual Career and Technical Education classroom instructors will communicate with students on how to go about taking the industry certification test. Currently, the following certifications may be offered and available through Waunakee High School courses:

• Youth Apprenticeship Certification
• Adobe Certified Associate Certification
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certifications (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook)
• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
• Assistant Child Care Teacher (ACCT)
• ProStart
• CNA (through the Youth Apprenticeship or Start College Now program)
• Pharmacy Tech (through the Youth Apprenticeship program)
• A*S*K Marketing Certifications
• A*S*K Finance Certifications
• A*S*K Entrepreneurship Certifications

Please see the School to Career Coordinator, Ms. McGlynn, for questions regarding certifications.  This list is updated annually.

WASDA Wisconsin Redefining Ready (WiRR) is a cohort of School Districts telling their story in a more complete manner than via a State Report Card or other required vehicles. The WiRR Scorecard tells a story about a School District’s effort to prepare graduates to be College and Career Ready. Using the American Association of School Administrator’s research based College and Career Indicators, the WiRR Scorecard is produced annually with School Districts using the various indicators to drive school improvement, align efforts to Academic and Career Planning, and to celebrate success.

Waunakee Redefining Ready Scorecard (coming soon!)

Students may participate in early post-secondary opportunities by enrolling in off-site courses at higher education institutions, as allowed under state law, to advance in their academic and career pathways. These opportunities may be accessed through the Start College Now program for Technical Colleges and the Early College Credit Program for UW System institutions, private non-profit higher education institutions, and tribally controlled colleges in the State of Wisconsin. Students may not participate concurrently in both the Start College Now and Early College Credit Program in the same term as defined in statute. 

EARLY COLLEGE CREDIT PROGRAM (ECCP

High School students in grades 9 through 12 may participate in the Early College Credit program and enroll in UW System institutions, private non-profit higher education institution, and tribally controlled colleges in the State of Wisconsin to take courses which lead to credit granted toward high school graduation, or for college credit only if they are not comparable to a course offered at the high school.

The Board of Education will limit the credits for which the district will pay at institutions of higher education under the Early College Credit Program to 18 credits per student.

The Board of Education is responsible for costs of a student attending institutions of higher education under the Early College Credit Program as defined in statute where the course is not comparable to a course offered in the Waunakee Community School District. If the student is taking a non-comparable course under the Early College Credit Program for college credit only the student’s family is responsible for 25% of the cost. Any student costs that would otherwise be allowed under the program will be waived if they pose an undue financial burden to the student’s family.

If a pupil received a failing grade or fails to complete an Early College Credit Program course for which the Board of Education has made payment, the Board will request reimbursement from the student/family.

Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian and student. State reimbursement may be available through direct application by the parent/guardian or student to the Department of Public Instruction.

Additional procedures relating to the implementation of Start College Now and Early College Credit Program will be addressed in administrative guidelines.

Legal Ref.: Section 118.55 Wisconsin Statutes PI40 Wisconsin
Administrative Code Cross Ref.: 345.4-Rule, Promotional and Retention of Students 345.6, High School Graduation Requirements/Procedures

ECCP applications and other resources can be found at the ECCP link below.  Students need to complete the "UW System ECCP Participation Form" and turn it into the Counseling office in order to apply for the program.  If you have questions please see your School Counselor or Ms. McGlynn, the School to Career Coordinator.

Early College Credit Program Information Page

Applications for the ECCP are due to Ms. McGlynn in the Counseling Office by:
Fall Semester Courses ~ March 1;
and Spring Semester Courses ~ October 1.  

All students completing ECCP applications also need to complete the Transportation Agreement and turn in with their applications.  Please see application procedures for your intended institution below.  Talk with your counselor or Ms. McGlynn if you have questions.

UW System ECCP Procedures

Visit the following website for specific options through the University of Wisconsin-Madison:  High School Students.  Return the application form to the counseling office on or before the due date for the corresponding semester.  Admission requirements include:  high school junior or senior with a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher, and support for your academic plan from your high school counselor, principal, and board of education.

Wisconsin Private/Tribal School ECCP Procedures

Visit the following website for specific options at private and/or tribal Wisconsin universities:  ECCP Information.  Return the application form to the counseling office on or before the due date for the corresponding semester.

START COLLEGE NOW (SCN)Eleventh and twelfth grade students may participate in the Start College Now and enroll at institutions of the Wisconsin Technical College to take courses which lead to credit granted toward high school graduation.

The Board of Education is responsible for the costs of 11th and 12th grade students attending technical colleges under the Start College Now program only if the course is taken for high school credit and the course is not comparable to a course offered in the Waunakee Community School District. Courses taken at a technical college may be taken at school district cost under conditions established by statute.

The Board of Education will limit the credits for which the district will pay at technical colleges under Start College Now to 18 credits per student.

If a pupil received a failing grade or fails to complete a Start College Now course for which the Board of Education has made payment, the Board of Education will request reimbursement from the student/family. If the student/family fails to provide reimbursement for the dropped or failed courses(s) the student will no longer be eligible for participation in the Start College Now program.

Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian and student. State reimbursement may be available through direct application by the parent/guardian or student to the Department of Public Instruction.

Legal Ref.: Section 118.55 Wisconsin Statutes PI40 Wisconsin Administrative Code
Cross Ref.: 345.4-Rule, Promotional and Retention of Students 345.6, High School Graduation Requirements/Procedures

For more information on the Wisconsin Technical College System's Start College Now, visit this link.  The link includes program information, application instructions, and the program application.

Applications for the Start College Now program are due to Ms. McGlynn in the Counseling Office by:
Fall Semester Course ~ March 1;
Spring Semester Course ~ October 1.  

Dual Enrollment or Dual Credit offers a chance for high school students to earn college credit within the walls of the traditional high school. The high school teacher is approved by the partnering institution to teach a curriculum that is aligned with the college.  Students earning a passing grade (college scale) will earn that grade on a college transcript from the partnering institution.

At Waunakee Community High School, the partnering institutions are Madison College (courses designated as "DC") or UW-Oshkosh (courses designated as "CAPP").  Students are eligible to earn credit in several different Career and Technical Education courses, as well as our Senior Algebra course, and several of our capstone world language courses (French V, Spanish V and Spanish VI).  The chart below represents the latest information available regarding Dual Credit Options at Waunakee Community High School.  Please keep in mind that the high school teacher will have the most up to date information available.  Please direct questions to the certified classroom teacher or Ms. McGlynn, School to Career Coordinator.

DUAL CREDIT HIGH SCHOOL COURSES with Madison College unless otherwise noted (effective 2025)

• Accounting I
• Biotech Career Apps
• Biotechnology
• Concepts of Entrepreneurship (UNIVERSITY OF IOWA)
• French V (UW OSHKOSH)
• Marketing I
• Medical Terminology
• Metal Fabrication
• MS Excel & Access (through spring 2025)
• MS Office Advanced (through Spring 2025)
• MS Office for Business Applications (beginning fall 2025)
• Senior Mathematical Reasoning
• Spanish V and Spanish VI (UW OSHKOSH)
• Welding