Address:
1205 Craftsman Way, #203
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 267-0156
www.everettcc.edu/programs/stem-health-prof/orca
Contact:
Ardi Kveven, Executive Director
(425) 267-0156
[email protected]
Overview of Services:
ORCA is an early college academy for high school students.
This program is the only early college academy of its kind in the country. ORCA uses the local marine environment as the unifying theme for all academic disciplines. Using an innovative, project-based approach in a small learning community environment, students enjoy the challenge of designing and implementing their own learning experiences under the guidance of talented college faculty. While marine science provides the focus for interdisciplinary projects, students receive a rich education in all core subjects, with outstanding faculty members working with the students for two years.
ORCA partners with AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) for educator training, and YMCA MAP (My Achievers Program) to support both middle school and high school students throughout the school year and with summer programming.
Credential: YES
Most students earn up to two years of college credit while completing their high school education, thus graduating with an associate degree in addition to a high school diploma.
By using the framework of the Running Start program and the resources of Everett Community College, students earn 90 credits over two academic years, tuition free.
Equity Lens:
We are very focused on underserved communities and getting women into STEM fields.
We are connected with two programs: AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a nonprofit that changes lives by helping schools shift to a more equitable, student-centered approach. We train 85,000 educators annually to close the opportunity gap.
YMCA My Achievers Program (MAP) motivates and supports students of color and immigrant students to achieve higher educational and career goals. This program was developed to eliminate the achievement gap for students who face challenges due to racial/ethnic barriers, immigration status, and socioeconomic factors. By partnering with these two programs, we focus on college readiness & STEM for underserved and underrepresented students.
