Running Start

Running Start allows qualified high school juniors and seniors to enroll tuition-free in college-level courses as part of their high school program of study. Books, supplies, lab fees, and transportation are the responsibility of the student. Students are responsible to pay for any college courses numbered below 100. 

1. 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, under 21 years of age, and place into a college-level English or college-level mathematics course. (College-level classes are numbered 100 and above.)
2. 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.
3. Homeschooled students and students attending private schools must be evaluated at the junior or senior level by a public high school official and enroll at that school.
4. Students who have passed the GED and who do not have a high school diploma may enroll through their high school and be eligible for the Running Start program until the age of 21.

2024 Running Start Information Session Video

UPCOMING INFORMATION SESSIONS:

• Learn more about the program and how students can qualify
• Understand the application process
• Get your questions answered

INFORMATION SESSION DATES:

*All sessions are scheduled for 6 p.m., please view the 2024 Running Start Information Video prior to attending. 

• Tuesday, February 13
• Tuesday, March 12
• Tuesday, April 9
• Tuesday, May 7

SESSION LINKS: 

English Session Link

Spanish Session Link 

• Placement into college level English or Math, see placement options placement options.

• We encourage prospective Running Start Students to meet with their high school counselor regarding participation in the program. Counselors can help students decide if the program is a good fit and will be able to determine what classes a student will need to enroll in at BBCC to complete their high school graduation requirements.

Summer 2024 all incoming juniors and seniors, new to the Running Start program, are eligible to enroll in a maximum of 10 college-level credits summer quarter.  Summer quarter classes begin on July 1^st and end on August 9^th.  Summer quarter is condensed into 6 weeks (fall, winter, and spring quarters are 12 weeks)

To qualify and enroll in summer classes, students must meet the deadlines below and attend New Student Enrollment (NSE) on June 6^th.

June 6^th NSE Deadlines

• May 19^th BBCC Admissions Application submitted
• May 30^th (complete by)
  • Activate ctcLink Account
  • Submit documents for math & English placement
  • Complete online Viking Orientation
  • Sign up for June 6^th New Student Enrollment session
• June 6^th Summer Running Start Verification form due
• June 13^th balance for class fees due

Considering Summer Quarter Running Start?

Yes or No:   Am I available July 1^st – August 9^th? Summer quarter is condensed into 6 weeks (fall, winter, and spring quarters are 12 weeks, so students are expected to complete the same amount of course work in ½ the amount of time).

Yes or No:   Do I have a reliable computer and internet connection? (most summer classes are offered online)

Yes or No:   Do I have time to commit to classes? Example: 1 class + study time = 24 hours per week, 2 classes + study time = 48 hours per week.

As a current Running Start student, you may be eligible to enroll in a maximum of 10 college-level credits.  Summer quarter is condensed into 6 weeks (students will be expected to complete the same amount of course work in ½ the amount of time).

Important: The number of credits you are eligible to take must be calculated and confirmed by your high school before Running Start can pay for your summer quarter classes.

• Enrollment for summer & fall quarters begins on May 20^th
• Return your Summer Quarter Running Start Enrollment Verification Form to BBCC by June 6^th (NOTE: this form is different from the RSEVF form used for fall, winter, and spring).
• Class fees are due June 13^th. Summer quarter classes begin July 1^st and end August 9^th.

As a current Running Start senior, you are eligible to enroll in summer quarter classes if you have 15 credits or less remaining to complete your college degree.  Summer quarter is condensed into 6 weeks (students will be expected to complete the same amount of course work in ½ the amount of time).

• Meet with a BBCC advisor to review your Academic Advisement Report, verify your remaining credits, and discuss your options.
• Enrollment for summer and fall quarters begins May 20^th.
• To have your tuition for summer covered by Running Start, return the Declaration of Intent form to BBCC by June 6^th (NOTE: this form is different than the RSEVF).
• Summer quarter class fees are due by June 13^th. Summer quarter classes begin July 1^st and end August 9^th.
• Students completing a degree at the end of summer quarter can participate in the BBCC graduation ceremony on Friday, June 14^th, if their graduation application is received by the April 19^th due date.

• Welcome to Big Bend Community College!

1. Click HERE and Apply as a Running Start student
2. Applicants will receive a welcome email once their application has been processed and they have been accepted to BBCC. This message will be sent to the email used to apply. Sometimes communications go to junk, be sure to check your inbox and junk mail frequently if you are expecting a communication from the college.
3. Questions? Contact Admissions (509) 793-2089, admissions@bigbend.edu, or visit in person at the 1400 bldg.

• Once a student has been admitted, they will receive a welcome email, with next steps. Please follow the directions to activate your ctcLink Student Account, this is an important step for new students. 

• Complete the free Placement Evaluation Request for English & math placement. This step can only be completed after the student’s Admissions Application has been processed. Students will need their BBCC student ID number, which is included in the welcome email, to submit placement documentation.