Skagit Valley College (SVC) is pleased to announce that the College has been awarded approximately $52,000 for a pilot scholarship program designed to assist SVC’s Running Start students by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).

The SVC Running Start Pilot Scholarship will support student success by covering the cost of books, course materials, and/or student fees for eligible students during the 2021-2022 academic year. If a student is enrolled in a workforce program, the scholarship can also cover the cost of tools, lab and course fees, and work clothes. The program is designed to help low-income families and improve access to Running Start. Students enrolled in eligible Running Start courses who qualify for free or reduced lunch, and who have a GPA of 2.0 or higher, are eligible for the scholarship.

SVC’s award is part of a WSAC Dual Enrollment Scholarship (DES) pilot program that encourages students to enroll in post-secondary education and helps reduce the time and cost needed to complete their degree.

Running Start is a dual credit program that began in the early 1990s and provides the opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit while they are in high school, with eligible tuition covered by state funding. It allows students to complete their high school diploma, earn an associate’s degree, or work toward both simultaneously, preparing them for employment or college transfer.

“Running Start provides high school students with an important pathway to a college education and family-wage jobs,” said Washington State Representative Dave Paul, D-Oak Harbor, who is also Director of Community Relations at SVC. “I’m excited that Skagit Valley College has been awarded this grant to help students and their families in our community take advantage of this proven and cost-effective program.”

The DES program began in 2019, with the passage of House Bill 1973 by the Legislature. It started with the College in the High School component that was implemented at Clark College, Eastern Washington University, and Whatcom Community College. With the passage of Senate Bill 6374 in 2020, the Running Start pilot program expanded to include apprenticeship and professional/technical programs. With this expansion, Skagit Valley College, Everett Community College, Green River College, Highline College, and Community Colleges of Spokane were selected to participate.

It is not too late to enroll in Running Start for fall quarter at SVC. Classes begin Sept. 21 and many courses are available in an online format. Online learning technology support and resources are available to help students every step of the way.
For more information about Running Start or the pilot scholarship program, please visit skagit.edu/runningstart. For assistance getting started, please contact [email protected].