Youth Re-Engagement Program
Youth Re-Engagement
The Youth Re-Engagement (U3) program provides an opportunity for youth ages 16-21, who do not have a high school diploma, to earn a diploma and a college degree for FREE.
Youth Re-Engagement is a dual-credit program which enables youth to work toward the educational goal of their choice, or even multiple goals. Options include:
- a GED
- a high school diploma
- an Associate degree
- a technical or vocational certificate
Check out this spotlight on one of our wonderful U3 students!
We are a Washington State Open Doors program, designed to help disengaged or credit-deficient high school students re-engage in their education, located at Everett Community College. We provide an alternative for students who are not finding success or satisfaction at, or who have already left, the traditional high school environment. We view our program as an opportunity for youth to learn, explore, and challenge themselves, to believe in themselves, and to re-engage in education. We want to enable our future workforce to become successful in an educational setting, to learn the importance of and understand the relationship between education and the world of work. Education is the key to their future.
EvCC offers Youth Re-Engagement in partnership with local school districts and Sea Mar Community Health Centers. The program is based on a model of other successful programs in the nation. Youth who enter the program receive the support of a case manager to help them navigate through college and become a successful college student.
We are currently able to accept applicants who reside in many Snohomish County school districts. Call 425-259-8738 to see if your district is one we are partnering with!
What do our graduates say?
Baydaa Alshatee's dream of being a college student came true in the U3 program.
Jasmin Chigbrow went from high school dropout to law school. Read how U3 helped her discover her passion for learning.
Chris Garcia-Martinez said the U3 program provided him "all the support I could imagine."
Who qualifies?
Students are eligible for Youth Re-Engagement if they:
- Do not currently have a high school diploma (GEDs are OK)
- Reside within one of our partnering school districts
- Are at least 16 and not yet 21 on or before Sept. 1 of the school year they wish to begin
- Are significantly credit deficient or have a counselor recommendation stating that they are unlikely to graduate from a traditional or alternative high school by the age of 21
How do I enroll?
The enrollment process starts with an information meeting where we discuss the program in detail, answer questions and describe the application process. You must complete the application materials and turn them in to be invited to attend an orientation.
The orientation is a screening process that is in place to make sure the Youth Re-Engagement program is a good fit for you. During orientation you will meet other students who are applying for the program and hear exciting information about degree and certificate options. We will also administer a standardized test during the orientation. After completing orientation you will set an appointment to meet individually with a case manager for an interview. During the interview you will be asked questions about your learning preferences, your educational goals, and any obstacles you may have faced in the past. Together with the case manager, you will formulate a plan for your first quarter and beyond.
To schedule a meeting, call 425-259-8738.
What is the Program Design?
Most first quarter Youth Re-Engagement students will complete a one-quarter foundations course of study. The foundations quarter emphasizes assessment and college survival skills, career exploration, computer literacy and basic skills review. After successfully completing the foundations quarter, students will move on to other classes to continue to improve their basic skills, begin working toward their academic goals, or explore options in the vocational field(s) of their choice.
The Youth Re-Engagement Program is designed to meet students’ specific and individual needs and goals. Instead of starting with the Foundations quarter, some students may start with other classes, including ESL, Basic Skill Building, High School Completion, technical/vocational, or college-level classes. One of our main goals is making the U3 Program work for you.
How much does it cost?
The program is FREE for students. Youth Re-Engagement pays for all tuition, fees, textbooks, and required supplies.