High School Programs


Explore your options for completing high school.

Yakima Valley College offers diverse programs to help both current high school students and individuals not currently enrolled in high school in achieving their educational goals. We have options that enable high school students to earn college credit, as well as options for individuals not enrolled in high school to improve basic skills, work toward a GED, or pursue career training and education.

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Running Start

Running Start is a statewide program that allows qualified high school juniors and seniors to attend college classes tuition-free. Students may enroll in both high school and college classes or solely college classes. Students are responsible for paying fees, purchasing textbooks and supplies, and providing transportation. Fee waivers are available for families who qualify. Running Start is open to public, private, and home-schooled students.

Learn More About Running Start

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CTE Dual Credit

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit is a college preparatory program for high school students. High school and college instructors work together to choose CTE Dual Credit courses that meet entry-level requirements for comparable college courses, so that you may be able to receive YVC credit while still in high school. CTE courses take place at your high school.

Approved CTE Courses CTE Dual Credit Options

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Start Your GED

Our courses are for adult students who want to improve their reading, writing, and math skills. These courses can help you pass the GED® test, earn your high school diploma, improve your employability skills or build on essential skills to prepare for college-level studies. Tuition is $25 per quarter.

Get Started on Your GED

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High School + (HS+)

High School+ is for students who are 21 years of age or older. You can earn high school credit from Adult Basic Education or college-level courses to earn a high school diploma. Students can prepare for GED® tests, apply credit earned in high school, use life and work experience for credits, and/or take equivalent courses to complete your diploma. Tuition is $25 per quarter.

Find Out More About HS+

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Step Up To College (SUTC)

The Step up to College​ program serves eligible students ages 16-20 from Grandview, Mabton, Kittitas, Stevenson-Carson, and Ellensburg. SUTC serves students who will not graduate from high school on time, will turn 21 years of age before they graduate from high school, or are former high school students under the age of 21. Students under 21 years of age are not required to pay any tuition costs.

Consider Step Up To College

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HS Diploma + AA Degree

Students may earn their high school diploma upon completion of an associate degree at YVC. Students must indicate on the Intent to Graduate form that they are seeking both the associate degree and high school diploma in order to have both credentials posted on their transcript. Contact registration@yvcc.edu for more information.

Contact Registration

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Adult Basic Education (ABE)

ABE classes build knowledge and skills for work and college. These classes help you to improve your reading, writing, and math skills. You can earn High School+ credits and prepare for GED exams while you build academic skills for college and gain employability skills. As students complete their studies in ABE they are ready to either enroll in college-level courses or find employment. Tuition is $25 per quarter.

Improve Your Skills With ABE

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Additional Services

TRIO Student Support Services, Upward Bound and the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) are additional services available for high school students at Yakima Valley College. 

Upward bound  TRIO  CAMP