Running Start

Running Start is paid for by using funds the state gives the school district to educate each student. These funds only pay for tuition at the college. All books, materials, and fees must be paid by the student. Students with Free or Reduced lunch may get the Technology fee waived by providing documentation to the Admissions office.
 

1. The state will help pay your tuition. (Up to 1 college FTE or 15 college credits per college term.)
2. You can receive high school credit and college credit for the same class.
3. You can take more challenging classes. 
4. You can take classes not offered at Ephrata High School.
5. You can get a ‘Running Start’ on your college degree.
6. You can experience college while still in high school. This experience can make the transition from high school to college easier and clarify educational goals.
7. Students can complete more college pre-requisites in a shorter period of time. For instance, three years of a Foreign Language can be completed in 1 year. 

1. You must pay for classes if you exceed college FTE (credit hours per quarter) or take any classes numbered 099 and below, as well as classes audited.
2. You must pay for your own books, fees, and supplies. 
3. You must provide your own transportation to and from school.
4. Grades at BBCC stay on permanent college transcripts. This would hinder transferring to a 4-year college if you do poorly. 
5. Ephrata High School transcripts will reflect course titles and grades from all running start courses at BBCC. Grades are calculated into your high school GPA. If you do poorly at the college it will lower your GPA on your high school transcripts.
6. Class schedules and calendars at BBCC and Ephrata HS conflict, causing scheduling problems (vacation breaks, athletics, taking both classes at the high school and college) 
7. College credits earned prior to high school graduation may not transfer to private or out-of-state colleges. Contact specific colleges and ask about their policies. 
8. You may not be socially or emotionally ready for the college atmosphere. 
9. Running Start students who participate in high school activities may have difficulty meeting some of the requirements for membership in those activities. Running Start students must generally abide by the same rules as other high school students in regard to attendance at meetings and participation in projects. Organizations such as class government, Honor Society, and Key Club are examples of some activities that could be impacted.
10. Students involved in athletics must coordinate practices and games with their schedule. Additionally, eligibility standards must be maintained.

1. We strongly encourage students to complete High School graduation requirements at BBCC by the end of winter quarter of their senior year. Plan accordingly with your advisor at BBCC and counselor at the EHS. Otherwise, a student may not have all the required credits to participate in our graduation ceremonies. 
2. Parents should take into consideration the student’s maturity level when discussing the possibility of participating in Running Start. Some students who are academically ready may find the required independence and speed of college classes overwhelming. 
3. Students who find the most success have completed Algebra II and have passed their State Tests in English and Math.
4. Students who change, withdraw, or are in danger of failing or fail a class must inform their counselor immediately.
5. The student is responsible for understanding when their choice of schedule will result in tuition charges. If the student enrolls for more high school and college credits than are identified in the Running Start Funding Table, the student is responsible for:
   1. Paying all college tuition and fees associated with exceeding the college credits identified in the table
   2. Withdrawing from the excess college or high school course(s).
6. The student is required to pay any class/lab fees charged for college classes. 
7. Enrollment in specific college classes cannot be guaranteed even if the classes are needed to fulfill district high school graduation requirements.
8. To add or withdraw from a course, the student must complete the college Add/Drop process by the college deadline and notify their EHS counselor. 
9. The student is responsible for ensuring that college courses completed as part of the Running Start Program will meet EHS graduation requirements. 
10. If the student plans to transfer, it is the student’s responsibility to find out about admissions policies/deadlines and whether credits will transfer. 
11. The student gives permission for college staff to release their grades to the high school and to discuss various aspects of their program participation with the high school/district officials.
12. Student athletes must pick up and turn in grade and attendance checks to the Athletic Director every 4.5 weeks

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
 ▪ 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. Please see the current Big Bend Course Catalog for specific program requirements and required placement.

Students who have passed the GED and who do not have a high school diploma may enroll through their respective high school and be eligible for the Running Start program until the age of 21 or until high school requirements are completed, whichever occurs first. 

EHS Running Start Course Equivalency Chart

Big Bend Community College
Running Start Checklist
and Information