Running Start is a dual credit enrollment program that allows juniors and seniors to earn college credits while completing their high school education.

Students may take one class per quarter or all of their courses on the college campus. Students enroll in college courses at a community college such as Clark College or Lower Columbia. Courses are taught on the community college campus by college faculty. Students earn college and high school credit when they complete the course. The credit and grades students earn will be transcribed on their permanent college transcript.

All of Washington’s public four-year colleges and universities accept Running Start credit.

• Tuition is paid by the state of Washington

• Books and transportation are paid by students/families*

• Class fees are paid by students/families*

• Transportation is not provided by the school

*Students who receive free or reduced-price meals may have fees waived by filling out the required documentation for the college.

Program links

• Clark College Running Start

• Clark College Support Services

• Lower Columbia College Running Start

• Lower Columbia College Support Services

Enrollment information

• Running Start Steps to Enrollment at Clark College (PDF)

• Steps to enroll (Clark College)

• Get the Running Start enrollment verification form

• Tips for communicating with your professors