Running Start Program

Steps to Enrollment
FAQ’s
WA HS Graduation Requirements
Parent Information Night Presentation
Enrollment Verification
New Student Orientation
Placement Testing Procedure
509.527.4262 (Walla Walla) | 509.758.1700 (Clarkston)

What is Running Start?

Running Start provides an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors in to enroll in courses at Walla Walla Community College. Academically qualified students are able to attend college courses and earn college credits, tuition-free, while completing high school graduation requirements.

Home-schooled and private school students must enroll in a public high school to participate in this program. Students do not have to attend the public school or complete local district graduation requirements if seeking a diploma through the associate’s degree.

Running Start students can:

  • Earn their AA-DTA (Associate in Arts & Sciences Transfer Degree).
  • Earn up to two years of college coursework tuition free.
  • Study a variety of subjects not offered in high school.
  • Participate in advanced level courses.
  • Benefit from the flexibility of Running Start Student schedule
  • Prepare for future career and educational opportunities.

Eligibility and Cost

Eligibility:

  • Must be classified as a junior or senior in Washington
  • Be enrolled through a public high school district.
  • Qualify into English 101 and/or college level mathematics for maximum access to classes.
  • Students who place below English 101 may still have access to limited courses.  Discuss those options with a Running Start navigator.

Costs

Running Start covers the cost of Tuition. It is student and families responsibility to pay quarterly fees and books. Students will also be responsible for transportation to WWCC.

Book/Fee Waiver

Running Start students can have their WWCC registration fees waived. Eligible students must submit documentation each new school year or start of the quarter to a Running Start advisor.

Eligible documents that would qualify may include:

  • Free or reduced-price lunch documentation from your high school if you have been eligible for free or reduced-price lunches in the last five years.
  • Documentation from a government agency, showing that you receive state or federal assistance funds. (Examples: a school enrollment verification form, a food stamp card, medical coupons, subsidized housing, etc.)
  • Foster youth verification (examples: letter from social worker or legal copies of Court papers showing Ward of the State)

Important Dates 2022-2023

Important Dates 2022-2023

  • Preparing for Fall 2022 (**Please note: Dates Subject to change due to CTCLink):
    Before your high school is out for summer break, check in with your high school counselor and collect completed Enrollment Verification Form and Quarterly Referral Form. Must have all required signatures.
  • Advising Begins: June 6th
  • Returning Student Registration begins June 8th (Current Running Start Students)
  • Attend New Student Running Start Orientation: 9-3pmTwo sessions (choose one):-Clarkston Campus: June 14th-Walla Walla Campus: June 21st
  • New Student Registration Begins June 27th
  • August 29-Sept 1st: Walla Walla Campus-Drop in week for students who have not registered for classes yet. No appointment needed.
  • Pay Fees: September 9th (Please confirm if you are eligible for Fee Waiver.)
  • Quarter Begins: Sept 19th

**For more dates and college closures please click on the link below**

Important Dates (pdf)

Running Start (RS) Fee Waiver WWCC Student

Running Start (RS) Fee Waiver WWCC Student

Running Start students are eligible to have Book and fees waived by submitting proof that they currently qualify to receive free or reduced-price lunch. The high school counselor will provide proof when Enrollment Form is completed for students enrolled in the public schools.

Documentation may be required for students who are in private schools or home schooled. Acceptable proof may include:

  • Free or reduced-price lunch documentation from your high school if you have been eligible for free or reduced-price lunches in the last five years.
  • Documentation from a government agency, showing that you receive state or federal assistance funds. (examples: a school enrollment verification form, a food stamp card, medical coupons, subsidized housing, etc.)
  • Foster youth verification (examples: letter from social worker or legal copies of Court papers showing Ward of the State)

Student Responsibilities

  1. Bring documentation to your RS orientation/advising appointment and no later than the first class day of the quarter at WWCC.
  2. Notify your RS advisor or the High School Programs Director of any family financial change(s) if you think you may qualify for a fee waiver.
  3. Pay fees at the Business Office if you are not eligible for a low-income waiver.

Please contact Jacky Alonso at 509.527.4315 or Andrew Wade at 509.758.1706 with further questions.

Walla Walla Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in programs and activities.

 

Contacts
Jacky Alonso-Barrientos

Walla Walla Campus Coordinator
[email protected]
509.527.4291
Book an Appointment With Jacky

Andrew Wade

Student Services – Running Start Advisor
509.758.1700