Running Start
Created by the Washington State Legislature, Running Start is a program providing academically qualified students with the opportunity to simultaneously earn high school and college credits.
To qualify for Running Start, you must be a high school junior or senior, under the age of 21, and qualify at college-level in English or math through an approved placement method.
If you qualify you may choose to take a combination of high school and college courses or enroll exclusively in college courses. All college-level courses (numbered 100 or above) successfully completed may be applied toward degrees at Peninsula College. Therefore, it is possible for high school students who begin Running Start as juniors to graduate from high school with two years of college already completed.
College credits earned through Running Start are usually transferable to colleges and universities in and out of the State of Washington. Information on the transferability of credits is available from an educational planner in the Student Development Center as well as from the respective college or university to which you wish to transfer.
Running Start students will be responsible for the cost of books, supplies, transportation, and fees. Tuition is covered up to 15 credits per quarter as long as the combined course load between the college and high school stays below 1.2 FTE (full-time equivalency). Students with combined high school and college schedules that exceed 1.2 FTE during any college quarter must pay college tuition on the additional credits. Please note, waivers may be available for students who qualify for the free or reduced lunch program through their school district.
For more information regarding Running Start, contact RunningStart@pencol.edu or (360) 417-6341, toll free in Washington at 1 (877) 452-9277, ext. 6341.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit Program
Our CTE Dual Credit Program is a dual credit opportunity for high school students to gain Peninsula College credit for specially designed courses taken at their high school. To find out if your school participates in the program, contact the Student Services Office at (360) 417-6340.
Upward Bound
Upward Bound is a federally-funded TRIO educational program designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for students to earn a two- or four-year college or technical degree. High school students from low-income and first-generation families may be eligible for services. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete high school and graduate from college. Students may receive a stipend for participation.
Upward Bound services include the following:
- Academic instruction and tutoring in reading, writing, math, study skills, and other subjects necessary for success in education beyond high school
- Running Start early preparation
- Access to professional college and transfer advising
- FREE six-week summer program that includes:
- 4-5 weeks of academic courses with the potential to earn college and/or high school credit
- Tours of colleges
- Career development experiences
- Culturally appropriate learning and activities
- One-to-one assistance in college and scholarship applications
- Academic, financial, and personal counseling
- Exposure to academic programs and cultural events
- Leadership development
- Early career assessments, planning, and exploration
- Information on postsecondary educational opportunities
- Assistance in completing financial aid, college, and scholarship applications
- Assistance in preparing for college entrance exams (PSAT, SAT, ACT, Accuplacer)
Peninsula College’s Upward Bound program is 100% funded through a U.S. Department of Education grant. For information, contact: Upward Bound Office at (360) 417-7971 or toll free at 1 (877) 452-9277, ext. 7971.