Running Start

Navigation

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 or part time. 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.

Benefits of Running Start at LWTech

  • LWTech offers free books for Running Start students enrolled in certain courses.
  • Running Start students at LWTech do not pay admissions, parking, or assessment fees. This is large savings compared to other colleges in the region.
  • 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.
  • All Running Start students at LWTech have an advisor to assist them in their transition to the college. Advisors can help students meet educational goals, choose courses, and create an academic plan for their time in Running Start.
  • Most academic classes at LWTech are transferable. We also offer many career and technical courses. 

Running Start Information Sessions

Running Start information sessions let you know more about the Running Start program at LWTech. Information sessions are not mandatory. If you are unable to attend a session, schedule a one-on-one session with a Running Start Advisor by calling (425) 739-8107.

Running Start sessions are limited in space and you must register ahead of time. Feel free to attend an information session prior to your anticipated start date. You may RSVP for an info session by clicking on a date below.

February 12, 2025, 6 p.m. March 12, 2025, 6 p.m. April 15, 2025, 6 p.m. May 14, 2025, 6 p.m.

June 11, 2025, 6 p.m.

 

Admissions

Eligible students are admitted Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer quarters. Registration typically opens on Advising Day in the previous quarter. 

Eligibility

Students must be enrolled in a public high school and must be in grade 11 or 12 at the beginning of the academic year. Private and home school students are eligible to participate but must register in a Washington state public school. Running Start students are not required to attend public school.

 

Steps to Enroll

  1. Go to LWTech.edu/Apply
  2. Select Lake Washington Inst. of Tech
  3. Under "I will be enrolling as a...", select Running Start.

  • Email document showing placement to Running.Start@LWTech.edu
  • English 101 Placement Options
    • LWTech English Placement test
    • OR high school transcript showing GPA and English grade, 3.0 or higher  
    • OR placement result from another college
    • OR English Smarter Balanced Assessment (gr 10) score: L3 or L4
    • OR transcript showing college English grade, 2.0 or higher

Complete required enrollment steps on Welcome Email.

  • After required enrollment steps are completed, make an appointment with a Running Start advisor.
  • The deadline to register is no later than one business day prior to the start date of each quarter.

  • All Running Start students have the same fees as traditional college students aside from the cost of tuition.
  • Log into LionsLink to view your fees.