CTE Dual Credit Expansion Proviso
In partnership with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), Career Connect NW hosted at the NWESD 189 is leading a regional effort to expand access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) dual credit for high school students.
What is CTE Dual Credit?
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit allows high school students to earn both high school and college credit at the same time for completing approved CTE courses. These courses are aligned with programs offered at Washington’s community and technical colleges and are designed to give students a jump-start on career pathways in fields like healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, agriculture, business, and more.
Funded through 2SHB 1273, this proviso aims to make it easier for students to earn college credit in high school by improving how CTE courses are aligned, articulated, and transcribed across K–12 and community college systems.
The CTE Dual Credit Legislative Report from December 2024 offers more insight.
Why It Matters
CTE Dual Credit is important because it:
- Saves students time and money by reducing the number of college courses they need to take after high school.
- Increases access to postsecondary education, especially for students who may not see college as an option.
- Builds momentum toward careers, helping students earn certificates or degrees faster.
- Strengthens high school-to-college connections, aligning coursework and expectations between systems.
- Supports workforce development by helping students enter high-demand career fields with recognized skills and credentials.
By making college credit more accessible in high school, CTE Dual Credit helps students stay engaged, on track, and better prepared for both college and career.
What We’re Working On
Over the course of this proviso, partners will work together to:
- Expand Access to high-quality, articulated CTE dual credit across the region.
- Align Courses between high schools and colleges to ensure students earn meaningful credit.
- Create a CTE Dual Credit Database so students and families can easily see available credit opportunities.
- Develop Advising Supports through tools, family events, and professional development.
- Improve Systems for data sharing, credit transcription, and communication.
2025 CTE Dual Credit Proviso Partners
- Bellingham Technical College (BTC) | Everett Community College (EvCC) | Skagit Valley College (SVC) | Whatcom Community College (WCC)
- Regional high schools and districts, industry and workforce partners
Together, we’re building a more equitable and transparent system to help more students graduate high school with a head start on college and career.
Coming Soon in late December: CTE Dual Credit Database!
The CTE Dual Credit Database is a shared platform that lists high school courses available for articulation with postsecondary institutions in the region. This technical tool serves as a centralized resource for educators, administrators, advisors, teachers, and counselors. It can also be used to advise students and connect their High School and Beyond Plan to CTE college pathways.
More Credit Where It’s Due: CTE Dual Credit Proviso Work is Underway
In 2025, the Washington State Legislature passed 2SHB 1273, reaffirming and advancing the state’s commitment to expanding access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit. This legislation authorized [...]
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Exciting Progress in CTE Dual Credit The 2024 CTE Dual Credit Legislative Report, submitted by the State Board of Community and Technical College, highlights a transformative year for Career and [...]
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Stakeholders discuss the CTE Dual Credit Proviso plan. Over the past year, Career Connect NW (CCNW) at the Northwest Educational Service District 189 (NWESD) has been leading [...]
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