The Running Start Program is a partnership between Yakima Valley Community College and Washington State public high schools. The program offers eligible high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to enroll in regular college classes on the YVCC campus and to receive both high school and college credit for those classes.

Students may choose to attend part-time or full-time. Running Start students do not pay for college tuition, however, all other costs must be paid by the student; including transportation, lab fees and necessary books and supplies.