The Running Start Program at Walla Walla Community College offers eligible high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to attend college courses and earn college credits, tuition-free, while completing high school graduation requirements. The program is designed for students who:
Want to take professional-technical, advanced or special-interest courses that are not available at their high school;
Are planning to go on to college and want to get an early start on working toward a college degree;
Want to be challenged and are ready for college-level studies;
Want to take courses that will provide both high school and college credits.
Who is Eligible for Running Start?
Students must be juniors or seniors, enrolled in a public high school, and below the age of 21 in order to participate in Running Start and must meet established college entrance requirements, including taking the Walla Walla Community College placement test.Students who are enrolled in private high schools or in homeschooling programs must first contact their local Washington State public high school to be eligible to participate in the Running Start Program.
What Courses Are Open to Running Start Students?
Running Start students enroll in the same professional-technical and college-level courses as other Walla Walla Community College students, providing they meet the prerequisites for each course. In some cases, only the placement test will be required for admittance to a specific course; in others, successful completion of introductory courses or the instructor's permission is required.Regular vocational-technical and college-level courses are offered on a quarterly basis and meet for approximately 11 weeks during the fall, winter, and spring quarters.
How Many Courses May a Student Take?
The number of courses each student takes at the college and at the local high school is a decision that must be made by the student in consultation with a high school counselor to ensure that all high school graduation requirements are met. Some students may choose to enroll in only one course on the WWCC campus, while taking the balance of their courses at their high school. Others may elect to take all of their courses through Walla Walla Community College. No matter which approach is chosen, it is up to each student to determine which program is most appropriate for his or her academic goals.School districts will pay for a maximum of 18 credits per quarter. Any additional credits must be paid for by the student.
Will Running Start Students Be Treated Differently?
Running Start students will be treated the same as all other Walla Walla Community College students. This means they will be afforded the same rights to privacy as all regularly enrolled college students. Class attendance is recorded according to an instructor's personal preference. Grades earned at the college are considered to be a confidential matter among the student, the college, and the high school, and they become a permanent part of a student's collegiate academic record.The Running Start Program also assures the same right of anonymity to Running Start students as it does to all other college students. It is unlikely that other college students will know which individuals are Running Start students unless a student chooses to tell them.
How Much Does Running Start Cost?
FEES AND ALLOWABLE CREDITS CHANGE EACH SEPTEMBER
School districts will pay for a maximum of 18 credits per quarter. For credits beyond 18, the student will pay an additional per credit charge.
Students are responsible for the following costs*:
Application Fee
$40 (lifetime fee)
Facility Use Fee
$1 per credit, maximum of $10 per quarter
Student I.D.
$7 (annual fee)
Books, Supplies
$50-$250 per quarter (est.)
Tools, Equipment
Dependent upon program
Technology Fee
$3 per credit, maximum of $30 per quarter
Lab Fee
Waived
Credits Beyond 18
$53.30 per credit or $9 per credit if enrolled in approved vocational block program
Contact your high school counseling office or the WWCC Counseling Department to obtain Running Start information.
Carefully RESEARCH this important choice; speak to your parents, current Running Start students, your teachers, and counselors for their advice.
Schedule your ASSET Placement Test by calling 758.1718 (Clarkston) or 527.4262 (Walla Walla). Testing sessions last approximately three hours and 15 minutes. It is suggested that testing be completed one month prior to your advising appointment.
Complete the WWCC application and pay the $40.00 lifetime application fee.
Schedule a college advising appointment through your high school counselor or by contacting the WWCC Counseling Department.
Schedule and attend a New Student Orientation session by calling 758.1718 (Clarkston) or 527.4262 (Walla Walla).
Register and pay for classes at the next available date.
Stay in close contact with your high school counselor and be aware of the courses needed for graduation.
Running Start Regulations
Regulations governing Running Start are subject to change by the Washington State Legislature, Walla Walla Community College, and participating local high schools and school districts. If you have any questions about the program or its requirements, see your high school counselor at the earliest possible.
For More Information
Students and parents/guardians who want more information on the Running Start Program should contact their local public high school's counseling department or Walla Walla Community College.
