Running Start students working with their professor. Found on thurstontalk.com, courtesy of SPSCC.
Running Start students working with their professor. Found on thurstontalk.com, courtesy of SPSCC.

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) has grown throughout the years since its start in 1962 to meet the educational needs of our community. While the institution serves a wide variety of students, with the average age being 26, one of the programs that serves over 1,000 students is the Running Start program. 

SPSCC adopted the Running Start program in 1993, which is a dual credit program that allows high school students to earn college credits. It is a great opportunity for high school students to get a head start on their college education, earn their associate’s degree, and have their high school diploma at the same time. This gives students a time advantage and academic experience, which can be very beneficial for their future.

The program offers Pathways to Success and Career Planning Seminar, or CCS101 and CCS102, which are required courses to graduate. These courses are most likely taken during the first two quarters at the college and are designed to help students succeed in their academic and career goals. Running Start students have the chance to take college-level classes and learn from experienced college professors. This experience can be very enriching and can give students an advantage in their college years. Students who complete the program are well-prepared for their future college education and have a good foundation to build upon. The program is, also, financially beneficial as it allows students to save money on college tuition. In addition, the college offers complete information for the offered Running Start programs, allowing students to make informed decisions about their educational pathway. Overall, the Running Start program at SPSCC is a fantastic opportunity for high school students to gain valuable experience and get a head start on their college education. The program offers a supportive environment and resources to help students succeed in their academic and career goals. Having a different mindset can impact one’s perspective on Running Start. The program opens up a different viewpoint for high school students and helps them realize how strong and prepared they are for the following steps in their educational pathway.

While this program does offer high school students a unique academic opportunity, it can come with its on set of challenges. While some Running Start students get to have both the high school and college experience, some choose to enroll and take classes full-time at SPSCC. Students get a chance to pick their own experience and decide which is the right path for them. 

Our college is one of the top-rated colleges in the US. Many high schools direct their students here, giving them complete information about the offered Running Start programs. Most importantly, Running Start allows students to expand their creativity, test their stamina, and be more prepared along the way to achieving their dreams.