Running Start is a program that allows up to 250 high school juniors and seniors in Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties to enroll in Skagit Valley College to earn college credits or even associate degrees. The program has been available for decades but under a new pilot program, is now available over the summer. The pilot program is possible due to the work of Rep. Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) who sponsored the programs authorizing bill, HB 2864, in the 2020 legislative session. “I sponsored HB 2864 because Running Start is a proven, cost-effective program that helps high school students earn college credit faster,” Paul said. Rep. Paul is also Director of Community Relations at Skagit Valley College. More details can be found in the story in the Whidbey News-Times.
