Running Start

What is 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.

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.)
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.
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.
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.

Attend or View a Running Start Session

Running Start Information Session Video Link

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.

Thursday, February 16
Thursday, March 16
Thursday, April 20
Thursday, May 18

SESSION LINKS:

English Session ID/Link: https://bigbend.zoom.us/j/83707565637
Spanish Session ID/Link: https://bigbend.zoom.us/j/86811048946

How to Establish College Level Placement and Qualify

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

Meet with your High School Counselor

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.

High School vs College: What to expect

Follow these steps to get started at Big Bend.

1. Apply for Admission

Welcome to Big Bend Community College!

Click HERE and Apply as a Running Start student
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.
Questions? Contact Admissions (509) 793-2089, admissions@bigbend.edu, or visit in person at the 1400 bldg.

2. Activate your Student ctcLink Account

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.

3. Submit Documents for Math & English Placement

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.

4. Online Viking Orientation

All new students are required to complete an Online Viking Orientation and it must be completed before you attend New Student Registration. The online orientation is a resource for you to refer to anytime.

5. Attend New Student Enrollment

At your New Student Enrollment session, an advisor will help you understand your placement results, find essential resources on the BBCC website, and help you enroll in your first quarter classes. Note: At the end of the Viking Orientation, you will sign up for a New Student Enrollment session. Follow the directions provided for you in the online orientation. The link to sign up for this event is found in the Online Viking Orientation.

6. Running Start Enrollment Verification Form

Each quarter students must submit a Running Start Verification Form to BBCC to get their tuition paid, failure to submit this form before the tuition due date will result in a student being dropped from their courses.

Verification Forms can be submitted via email, Admissions@bigbend.edu or in person at the Student Services Desk in the 1400 bldg.
All signatures (high school counselor, parent/guardian, and student) must be on the form. BBCC will accept your typed name in the signature space if you are unable to sign the document. BBCC staff will provide the College Running Start Advisor/Representative signature when the form in received in our office.
Running Start Verification Form here (fillable document), *Fillable form directions here.
Running Start students who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch receive a fee waiver covering technology fees and tuition if registered for more than 15 college-level credits. High school counselors verify eligibility on the Verification Form. Students from Othello, Warden, Soap Lake and Royal City High Schools also need to complete and submit the Running Start Fee Waiver Eligibility Formto admissions@bigbend.edu.
Important Dates & Deadlines.

7. Pay Additional Tuition and/or Fees

Each quarter, Running Start students will be responsible to pay tuition costs above their approved number of college-level credits, tuition costs for any courses below college-level (below 100-level), and/or course fees, and associated student fees. This must be paid by the tuition due date or students’ risk being dropped from their courses, Check Here for Dates and Deadlines!
Save your Spot! Pay tuition through the ctcLink Student Home page, in person, or by phone at the Business Office, 1400 bldg, (509) 793-2018, businessoffice@bigbend.edu.
Students can also set up a STEPP Payment Plan if needed. Stop by the Business Office or call (509) 793-2018 to get started.

Help choosing a career

Still deciding? Big Bend Community College provides easy-to-use tools to help you explore, set career goals or make changes along the way. Let us help you move along a route that is just right for you

Choose Your Career