One of the programs offered by Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) for high school students is called Running Start. Running Start offers high school juniors and seniors with a certain GPA the opportunity to earn dual credit. Running Start students earn high school and college credit at the same time. For CCS, high school students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above to be admitted. Students must have at least a 3.25 GPA to take classes at Eastern Washington University (EWU). 

With Running Start, it is possible for a student to earn an associate degree tuition free. The student still has to pay for books and fees. Running Start credits transfer easily to Washington State schools. This program is an option for students looking for more challenging coursework not available in some high schools. While this requires greater responsibility, it also gives a measure of independence for the students who are ready for it.

Despite the many benefits, only some high school students will see Running Start as a path worth pursuing. Being a Running Start student requires more responsibility. Running Start students have to be ready to adapt to the college level expectations. Before any student signs up for Running Start, they must be sure they are up for the challenge. It is important to know that failing a college level class will always be on the student’s permanent high school transcript. This could put the student behind in credits to graduate. Another reason students may feel hesitant about Running Start is because they will miss much of the high school social scene, although some might see that as a benefit.

A counselor from Mt. Spokane High School, Jamie Goodman, said that about 90% of all Running Start students from Mt. Spokane advanced to four year colleges. She also mentioned that she had four students return to Mt. Spokane from Running Start this year. 

The director of enrollment programs at SFCC, Brenda Schreiber, confirmed that Running Start students can earn up to 15 credits each quarter, and that many students earn their AA and High School diploma at the same time. Schreiber endorsed Running Start saying, 

“As a parent of three running start students, I would highly recommend running start! In addition to the financial savings, it was an opportunity for personal growth and responsibility, taking courses that were not available at the high school, and career exploration. It allowed them to start their college career with the support of high school and running start staff to guide them along the way!”  

For more information visit:

https://sfcc.spokane.edu/Become-a-Student/High-School/Running-Start/Who-is-Eligible