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 enroll simultaneously in high school and college classes, or solely in college classes. Though the high school district office pays for college tuition costs, all other costs must be paid by the student--including transportation, lab fees and necessary books and supplies.

How do Running Start credits transfer?

College & University Transfer Guides

College vs. High School

Running Start Application

Home-Based Running Start Enrollment Request

Program Strengths

Students can

• Earn up to two years of tuition-free college credit, getting a head start on college.
• Take courses that may not be offered at their high school.
• Select from a more diverse offering of elective classes than are available in high school.
• Experience post-secondary education while in high school, easing the transition to college life.
• Experience college clubs and activities (except for intercollegiate athletics).
• Try a different educational setting, an advantage for those who find that the traditional high school does not fit their needs.

Possible Concerns

• College level classes demand that students work more independently and at a quicker pace than high school classes.
• Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from campus.
• Scheduled college classes could conflict with high school classes and high school extracurricular activities.
• Students are expected to attend classes at the college even when their high school is not in session (many holidays and vacation breaks differ).

How to Enroll in Running Start

Step 1
Get a Running Start application. Print from the link above, or contact a high school counselor, or a YVCC advisor. Students and parents/guardians must complete and sign the application and it must be turned in at time of testing.

Step 2
Eligibility is determined by the placement test. To find out the testing schedule for the Yakima campus, click here or call (509) 574-4738. In Grandview, call (509) 882-7000. Students must take the writing, reading, and math placement tests. Students will need photo ID, the $10 test fee, and a completed Running Start application. Allow 2 ½ hours for testing.

Step 3
Following the placement test, the student will receive notification of Running Start eligibility from YVCC. Eligible students will be told how to proceed with registration at YVCC.

To be eligible for Running Start, a student must place into English 101 and Reading 101. Math placements are not used to determined eligibility, but the math placement test must be taken. Math placements will only be considered if a student wants to take math or certain science classes.

Step 4
Eligible students contact high school counselors to discuss remaining high school graduation requirement, and to identify appropriate YVCC classes. High school counselor provides student with the YVCC Equivalency Registration Form required for registration. The equivalency form requires counselor, student, and parent/guardian signatures.

Step 5
To register for YVCC classes, eligible student brings Completed and Signed Equivalency Registration Form to scheduled advising/registration appointment at YVCC in Yakima or Grandview. At this time, YVCC advisors will help student select and register for classes.

Step 6
Student attends scheduled class/classes or decides not to attend and withdraws from classes.

For More Information Contact:

Skye Field
Running Start Coordinator
Phone: (509) 574-4971
E-mail: sfield@yvcc.edu

Hillary Emerson
Curriculum Advisor
Phone: (509) 574-4970
E-mail: hemerson@yvcc.edu