PASCO, Wash. – A free way to earn college credits! Columbia Basin College is working with schools around our area to teach high school students about its Running Start Program. The program allows high school juniors and seniors to take college-level courses at no cost to the students.
According to Columbia Basin College’s Running Start Director, Elizabeth Hernandez-Osorio, school districts host Running Start information sessions with parents and students. She says CBC presents to over 30 schools in what she calls dual credit nights. These sessions provide information on the benefits of Running Start and how to access Running Start. She says to be eligible, not only do you have to be a junior or senior in high school–you also have to qualify for college-level English, math, or reading.
“This is a program that introduces them to college,” said Hernandez-Osorio. “Really risk-free. Tuition-free. Also, in a way where they are comfortable at home and with their high school counselors helping them. As well as with the support of the college.”
She said the program is low-risk, with support all around. According to Hernandez-Osorio, CBC had a record-breaking number of running start students last fall, with over 16,000 high school students earning credits at CBC.
Through the Running Start program, students earn credits toward the AA degree and earn up to two years of college classes tuition-free and prepare for future educational and career opportunities.
Students can test for Running Start by taking CBC’s online-directed Self-placement Test or providing documentation showing SBAC and AP scores. Hernandez-Osorio said this program helps every student regardless of their background.
“I really feel like Running Start is a program that evens out the playing field for all students regardless of socioeconomic status,” she said. This program gives the opportunity for students who would normally not be thinking about college. Maybe it’s affordability, maybe they’re the first in the family to obtain or go to college.”
She said another perk is being comfortable at home and having their high school counselors help them through it with the college’s support.
