High School: College Early Start

College Early Start

The College Early Start Program is a way to provide Iowa High School students with a highly supportive initial college experience before graduating high school. College Early Start (CES) is designed to give high school students the platform to explore career options and a variety of classes. This creates academic momentum and a less stressful transition to the college environment. If desired, a student can enroll in a certification path so when they graduate from high school, the student will have a diploma and a certificate in the field they choose, thereby giving students an advanced enrollment standing upon entering college as a degree-seeking student.

To apply for the CES program, talk with your high school counselor.

Eligibility Requirement

State of Iowa Resident in grades 9 -12
Demonstrates proficiency on annual achievement evaluation administered by the school district
The student must work with their High School counselors

Certificate Pathways:

Graduate with a certificate while in high school.

Automotive – Council Bluffs and Shelby County Center
Agronomy Operations Certificate – Cass County Center
Construction – Buss Regional Center
Culinary Arts: Food Technician聽– Council Bluffs
Diesel – Council Bluffs and Shelby County Center
Nurse Aide Certificate聽– Council Bluffs, Clarinda, Cass County Center, and Shelby County Center
HVAC Certificate – Page/Fremont Center
Welding聽– Council Bluffs, Clarinda, and Buss Regional Center