Many juniors and seniors in high school choose to take Running Start classes at the local colleges. This is an excellent way to earn credits towards high school graduation as well as college credits.
There is also another program option that not many families may be aware of = The WANIC Program
WANIC stands for Washington Network for Innovative Careers.
This program involves 7 local public school districts. It offers students a chance to choose one of 17 programs offered during their 11th and 12th grade years. If students enroll in this program, they participate in a dual enrollment program. Half the day is spent at their home school, the other half is 3 periods where students can have hands on experience in a Career Technical Education program that they are passionate about. Students not only receive high school and college credits, but they can also earn an industry certification. This amazing opportunity gives them a leg up when starting their careers.
Some of the different programs include:
- Culinary Arts/Baking and Pastry
- Digipen programs
- Aerospace manufacturing
- Automotive Tech
- Aviation Tech
- Fire and EMS
- Nursing Program
- Sports Medicine
- Restoration Ecology and Sustainable Forestry
- Maritime Welding
- Medical and Dental career fields
There is a low instructor to student ratio. The students also get the opportunity to get on site experience, labs and training. Students can enroll for a full year or a summer course.
The WANIC program is house at Lake Washington Technical Institute. However, many of the programs are located at the surrounding high schools whose districts participate in the program.
The application for first priority is due by March 31, 2026.
The website to locate more information is www.wanic.lwsd.org
