YAKIMA, Wash.-A new partnership hopes to improve access to postsecondary education for students in the Yakima School District.
The Yakima School District, Central Washington University and Yakima Valley College signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Sept. 26 to hold conversations on the creation of various pathways for YSD students to earn credit toward the completion of a postsecondary degree in Washington state.
The ultimate goal of the partnership is the creation of integrated, seamless, and guaranteed pathways for high school students to earn postsecondary credentials, according to a YSD press release.
“The ability to earn an associate degree while still in high school through our local colleges is particularly exciting, as it strengthens community ties and supports our students’ futures right here in Yakima,” said Dr. Trevor Greene, YSD Superintendent.
According to today’s press release, the ongoing conversations between the YSD, CWU and YVCC will address the following issues.
Defining coursework completed through Running Start and College in the High School that will be publicly shared with YSD students.Create a plan that ensures that students who completed General Education program at YVC or CWU will not need to complete the program at the other institution.Build clear paths for students interested in specific degrees at YVC so coursework can be completed in Running Start or College in the High School.
“This initiative will weave together our three systems into one integrated ecosystem, eliminating barriers, filling in cracks, and allowing high school students to flow seamlessly into college while they are still in high school so that they can attain a meaningful postsecondary credential — and then go out into the world in meaningful jobs and as engaged citizens,” said Dr. Jim Wohlpart, CWU President.
The memorandum of understanding signed by the YSD, CWU and YVCC will remain in effect through Sept. 2026.
