Start College in High School

Get a head start on your college degree.

There are a lot of great reasons to consider taking college classes while you’re still in high school. Worried about your college applications? College classes make a standout addition to your high school transcripts. Thinking about heading into the workforce after high school? Taking college classes now could prepare you for the job market and may help you decide if more school is right for you. If you’re interested in a head start on your college degree, Blackhawk has options for you.

several students in classroom working together

Take college classes at your high school.

Transcripted credit classes are Blackhawk classes taught at your high school by your high school teacher. Students who earn a grade of 70% or better in the class receive high school credit as well as a grade on a Blackhawk Technical College transcript during high school.

Transcripted Credit Handbook

How To Videos

Receive credit for classes you’ve already taken.

When you take a high school class for Advanced Standing, you will receive your high school grade and credit for prior learning once you are admitted to Blackhawk Technical College. Other Wisconsin technical colleges and UW schools may also accept that credit. To become eligible for this credit, you must receive an 80% or better in the class.

Earn both high school and technical college credit in the Start College Now program.

The Start College Now program (previously Youth Options) allows high school juniors and seniors to attend Blackhawk and earn credits.

Learn more about the program and access application packets (also available in Spanish at the links below):

To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

You must be enrolled at a public high school and have completed 10th grade.
You do not have a history of disciplinary problems and are not a "child-at-risk."
You have the written approval of your parent or guardian.
You must notify your school district by March 1 for fall enrollment and October 1 for spring enrollment.

Other High School Programs

High school students can also take classes at Blackhawk Technical College if they choose to get a head start through our Other HS Program route.

View the options below and feel free to reach out if there are any other questions.

Examples Include:

38.14 Contract: High schools may choose to offer a course where Blackhawk faculty are teaching a specific Blackhawk course at the high school. A common example of this would be Nursing Assistant. Students would need to apply to Blackhawk Technical College, complete admission paperwork and register for the course. Students would earn a grade that generates a Blackhawk transcript.

Third-Party Bill Pay: If a student is interested in taking a Blackhawk course and doesn’t fit the criteria for Start College Now, we can work through our third-party bill pay option if the high school approves paying for the course. This allows the student to take a Blackhawk course and the high school receives the bill.

Family Self-Pay: Families could choose to have their child enroll in Blackhawk courses while in high school. Families would be responsible for the tuition and fees for the course if a third party is not involved in covering payment.

Financial Aid is not an option for high school students until they are in their senior year. Feel free to reach out and our team will assist you with your questions.

For more information on this process, please contact Alissa Grenawalt, Early College Specialist, at agrenawalt4@blackhawk.edu or call (608) 757-6983.