Running Start
The Running Start program is one of many dual enrollment options available at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Students classified as high school juniors and seniors may apply. Eligible students may attend college full-time and/or take classes at the high school and the college. Students earn high school and college credit simultaneously for college level courses. Tuition is covered through Running Start, therefore Running Start saves money. In addition, Running Start students get started on college early, so they save time as they work towards their educational goals.
Information Sessions
For more information, register to attend an information session online or by calling (425) 739-8107.
Steps to Enroll
Fill out the Running Start Intake Form and email it to Running.Start@lwtech.edu along with Proof of Placement into English 101. If you need to take the placement test, schedule an appointment by calling the High School Programs office at (425) 739-8107 or emailing highschoolprograms@lwtech.edu. Be prepared to provide a valid ID.
Complete the New Student Online Enrollment Application
If qualified, we will send you a link to complete the online enrollment application.
Make an Appointment With the Running Start Advisor to Register for Classes
After you complete the online application, we will schedule an appointment to meet virtually via Zoom to register for classes. All documents must be filled out before the registration appointment. The deadline to register is no later than one business day prior to the start date of each quarter.
What You Need to Know About Running Start
Admissions
Eligible students are admitted Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. Please see the LWTech academic calendar for quarter start dates. Registration usually opens up around two months prior to the start of the quarter (except for Fall Quarter enrollment which opens in May). Students must be registered no later than one week prior to the start day of the quarter. Students are responsible for transportation, course fees, and some books.
Eligibility
Eligibility for Running Start at LWTech requires the approval of the student's high school and parents, qualify for English 101 based on the LWTech Self Guided Placement Assessment or one of the other options for English placement described under LWTech Placement Options. The evaluation of the above items, along with student goals, will determine eligibility for Running Start at LWTech.
Home School and Private School Students
In order to have your college tuition paid through Running Start funds, you first need to enroll in your local public high school. Since districts can have different enrollment processes, it is best to inquire at the district office about how to enroll your student for the purpose of accessing Running Start.
Once enrolled, you can complete the process for taking college classes through the Running Start program. Also, while your private school staff can advise you about which college courses meet graduation requirements, the public school counselor or other designated staff must sign off on your Running Start Enrollment Verification Form each term.
Benefits of Running Start at LWTech
- Beginning Spring 2016, LWTech will offer free books for Running Start students enrolled in certain courses.
- Running Start students at LWTech do not pay admissions fees, parking fees, or fees to take the assessment? This is large savings compared to other colleges in the region.
- Beginning Spring 2016, Running Start students at LWTech may be eligible for a free ORCA card.
- LWTech has small class sizes! Most classes are capped at 25 students which aids in student learning.
- All Running Start students at LWTech have an advisor that meets with them individually to assist them in their transition to the college. This includes discussing educational goals, choosing courses and creating an academic plan for their time in Running Start.
- Most academic classes at LWTech are transferable. We also offer many career and technical courses that LWTech Running Start students are eligible to take.
For further information, register to attend an information session online or by calling (425) 739-8107.