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Running Start
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What is Running Start?
Running Start is a statewide program that provides an opportunity that allows 11th and 12th grade students to take college courses at community and technical colleges. Qualified juniors and seniors in high school can enroll in courses, tuition free, at Bellingham Technical College as part of their high school coursework. Families of Running Start Students do have to buy their own books, tools and provide transportation.
Click on Being a Parent for further information
Eligibility
To be admitted to Bellingham Technical College's Running Start Program, a student must:
. Be registered as Junior or Senior at a Washington public high school.
. Be between 16 and 21 years of age.
. Determine eligibility by completing the Accuplacer Placement Test.
Home-schooled students and students attending private high schools must be evaluated as juniors and seniors by a public high official either at the high school or the local school district. Attending both educational institutions are not mandatory for access to the Running Start Program.
Getting Started
All potential Running Start Students are required to take the Accuplacer Placement Test. The test is offered at Bellingham Technical College by appointment three times per week. To make an appointment for testing, call Admissions & Advising at 360.752.8345. The Accuplacer test is also administered at Whatcom county high schools by arrangement. Check with your local high school career center for upcoming test sessions. The Accuplacer test measures reading and arithmetic skills for placement into courses and programs. Study guides are available online and there are a variety of resources which can be accessed by coming in to the college. There is no fee for the test, and a photo ID is required for entrance to take the test.
Bellingham Technical College will provide an Advisor to explain scores to each high school student. High school counselors, BTC admissions advisors or counselors, and the BTC Running Start advisor will help students determine next steps, answer any questions and suggest wrap around services that will provide them the opportunity to succeed in the college setting
Students can choose from over 50 certificate or degree programs of study and then apply for the program of study that best suits their dependable strengths and interests.
Step 3. Running Start Referral Form
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Students fill out a Running Start Referral Form that needs to be signed by the high school official and the student. Students then register for the program of their interest.
Reasons to Choose Bellingham Technical College
Bellingham Technical College is dedicated to student success. Students cite many reasons for pursuing their education at BTC, including the personalized attention from excellent faculty, small class size, "hands-on" learning activities and start-of-the-art professional technical training to prepare for immediate employment.
At BTC students acquire practical, concrete experience and training for high-wage, high demand occupations. Our students gain valuable professional connections from faculty and instructors with a wealth of expertise.
A broad variety of certificate and degree programs are offered in the morning, afternoon and evening. Many BTC programs operate on a continuous enrollment system, where students may enroll at the beginning of any quarter.
Educational setting: Running Start students will begin classes with a group of other new students whom they will take classes with each quarter as a cohort, learning and succeeding together. Running Start students are considered adult college students and are treated with the same respect and the same expectations as all other students on campus. Many Running Start students find that taking courses with different aged students with varying perspectives and opinions to be the most rewarding part of the college experience.
Participation in high school activities: Students may continue to participate in high school activities, including athletics, while enrolled in technical college courses.
Simultaneous Credit: Students receive both high school and college credit for these classes, thus accelerating their progress through the education system. Students can also choose to attend exclusively in college courses. Classes taken at the college as part of Running Start need to be college level courses (numbered 100 level or above)
Graduation Requirements are established by each high school. Students need to work closely with the high school counselor. It is important the student verify exactly what credits are needed for graduation requirements before enrolling.
The Running Start Advisor at Bellingham Technical College also works closely with the high school counselors and is available to meet with each of the Running Start students throughout their educational plan to overcome challenges or obstacles.
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Admissions & Advising
