Choice For Change

Choice For Change (C4C) helps students earn GEDs and prepare to enroll in credit-bearing classes at South Puget Sound Community College. Students without GEDs prepare for the GED tests. Those with GEDs focus on the skills needed to start college. Those ready for college maintain their connection to the support and services of the program by continuing to spend part of their day at C4C.

C4C offers students:

• Support for GED completion
• Free specialized curriculum, including computer literacy, life skills and college preparation.
• Academic and moral support, including books, towards an Associate of Arts degree; for a technical/vocational degree, tuition is also available.
• One-on-one academic and vocational mentoring, and a support system that encourages success.

Students interested in the C4C program first go through a preliminary interview with the program director. Students accepted into the program then must complete the C4C enrollment process, and be released from the last school they attended.

C4C satisfies the requirements of the Becca Bill, the state of Washington's truancy law. Once enrolled in C4C, it is the student's responsibility to maintain good attendance and to be in compliance with the courts.

Students must commit to five hours a day, five days a week. C4C classes are in session Monday through Friday, from 9:30 to 2:50 pm.

C4C is dedicated to educating students, as well as providing the skills necessary to succeed in interpersonal, occupational and civic life. Students work independently and in small groups, evaluating current social and political trends, planning and executing community service projects and gaining skills which will serve them throughout their lives.

C4C is designed for:

• Students ages 17 to 21 who want to complete their GED
• Students who have their GED, are interested in preparing for college and are interested in the college coursework components of the program
• Students who are dedicated to their education and believe in the education of their peers

Choice For Change (C4C) is an innovative school program designed for youth who have not found success in the traditional school system, yet still want to pursue a college education. The program offers support for GED and college preparation instruction.

C4C is a collaboration between Community Youth Services, the North Thurston School District and South Puget Sound Community College. The community college provides instructors and curriculum. Community Youth Services provide a place and support services for youth. North Thurston Public Schools provide academic and moral support for students who are pursuing their GED. Accepted students are enrolled in the District.

Housed in downtown Olympia at the Community Youth Services building, students study a curriculum geared toward their individual needs and learn in a comfortable, familiar environment.