Running Start allows qualified high school juniors and seniors to enroll tuition-free in college-level courses as part of their high school programs of study. Books, supplies, lab fees, and transportation are the responsibility of the student. Students are responsible to pay for any credits above their approved number and for courses numbered below 100.
Subject to total credit load limitations, high school students attending BBCC under the Running Start program may simultaneously earn high school and college credits. Students interested in applying for entry to BBCC through the Running Start Program must first contact their local high school to determine eligibility. Application of college courses toward meeting specific high school graduation requirements is determined by local school districts. Prior to college enrollment, school district advising and approval/certification of student programs is required.
To be admitted to BBCC as a Running Start student, students must: be registered as a junior or senior in a Washington state public school, be under 21 years of age, and place into a college-level English or college-level mathematics course. (College-level classes are numbered 100 and above.)
Students who will take only professional/technical courses, such as welding, industrial systems technology, etc., may qualify by placement into the required English and mathematics for that program.
Home-schooled students and students attending private schools must be evaluated at the junior or senior level by a public high school official and enroll at that school.
Students who have passed the GED and who do not have a high school diploma may enroll through their high school and be eligible for the Running Start program until the age of 21.
For additional program information, students may contact their high school counselor, email admissions@bigbend.edu or call 509.793.2089 for assistance.