Approved by the Washington State Legislature in 1990, Running Start allows eligible Washington high school juniors and seniors to attend college part-time or fulltime and receive both high school and college credit. Students do not pay tuition, but are responsible for textbooks and material fees. The college courses must meet the high school’s graduation requirements, and must be courses numbered 100 or above. Washington high school students are eligible to attend Clatsop Community College as Running Start students.
Running Start is a great opportunity for students to get a head start on their four-year college plans and save on college costs. Most of the Running Start students have excelled at Clatsop, however, Running Start is not for everyone. College life and classes offer much more flexibility and independence than high school. RS students are held to the same standards as any other college student. This may present problems for those students who are not quite ready for the college experience.
Students are responsible for college fees, textbooks, and transportation. Students eligible to receive free or reduced priced lunch may be eligible for a “non-consumable” fee waiver. Click here for information about fees and the waiver process. (.pdf, 30KB)
In 2005, the Oregon State Legislature enacted Senate Bill 300, also known as Expanded Options. The purpose of Expanded Options is to help students in 11th and 12th grade access additional courses, continue or complete their education, earn concurrent high school and college credit, and gain early entry into post-secondary education. Courses must not be considered duplications of the offerings available at your high school. For a copy of the 2011 Oregon Revised Statues related to SB300 click here. Speak with your high school counselor or principal to see if you are eligible!
At Clatsop Community College, we want each of our students to have a positive and enriching educational experience. We will do everything we can to ensure that Running Start students succeed. We offer counseling and advising and we communicate regularly with high school counselors and Clatsop instructors as we monitor the progress of each Running Start student.
Information pending…
Click here for more information on Running Start from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
You must provide your own transportation. If getting to and from Clatsop Community College in a timely manner will be a problem for you, Running Start is not a viable option for you.