Running Start

Running Start is a statewide dual credit program where high school juniors and seniors can take college courses for both high school and college credit. If you are interested in exploring, or even enrolling in, college level programs Running Start at Clover Park Technical College may be right for you. We offer both hands-on career training programs as well as general education courses.

As a Running Start student, you will have the same opportunities as any college student. You will attend classes on-campus (or virtually depending on the class), have access to our student success programs and counselors, and activities supported by our student life programs.

Many of our career training programs give students the option to be awarded an associate degree, as well as their high school diploma. Ask your Running Start coordinator about this option. If successful, you could complete a degree, earn a high school diploma, and be career ready by the time you would finish high school... all with minimal cost.

Running Start Eligibility

To qualify for Running Start, you have to:

1. Be between ages 15 and 21
2. Have completed your sophomore year in high school and be a junior or senior in high school. Recent graduates may also be eligible, and should speak with the CPTC Running Start Advisor for details.

Running Start students are held to the same expectations as all other college students. Attendance, participation, behavior and quality of work must meet college standards.

Tuition

Running Start tuition is typically free for high school students, but there is a cap to the amount of free tuition. Running Start students pay normal CPTC fees for books, tools, laboratory fees, consumables and transportation. If you qualify for free or reduced-price lunch (or meet other income requirements) many of these costs could be waived.

Starting in summer 2024, Washington State is now funding summer quarter Running Start. Select programs are available. Contact the CPTC Running Start Advisor for more information. 

Admission Steps

The first step in enrolling for Running Start is to begin exploring to see if this is the right option for you! 

STEP 1: Attend an Information Session 

Running Start Q&A Information Sessions are offered most Wednesdays virtually on zoom @ 4:00-4:30pm (*not available on school breaks or when the college is not in session—view calendar here)

• Watch the Running Start Information Video before attending the Q&A Session [coming soon!]
• Join the zoom Q&A Sessions to get general questions answered (both students & parents encouraged to attend)
• Also consider attending a Program Information Session with Instructors that highlight specifics about a particular program you may be interested in

STEP 2: Complete the Running Start Interest Survey

Even if you haven’t decided if Running Start at CPTC is right for you, let us know of your interest so we can send you more information about what we offer.

• Complete Running Start Interest Survey which will include gathering information such as High School, grade, contact information, etc.

STEP 3: Complete CPTC Admissions Application

The application is free and does not obligate you to attend. It can take 3-5 business days to process so it’s good to get this process started if you are at all considering attending CPTC. You will not be able schedule an appointment with the Running Start Counselor until you have been admitted to the school and have a Student ID Number.

• Apply to CPTC: https://apply.ctc.edu/user
• Look for a welcome email admitting you to the college within 3-5 business days of applying

STEP 4: Connect with your High School Counselor

You must meet with your High School Counselor letting them know of your interest in doing Running Start at CPTC. They will provide you with the information you need about which classes will be eligible for dual credit and will need to sign your EVF form.

Running Start Disclaimer Form    
Running Start Enrollment Verification Form Digital Signature 2025-2026    
Running Start Highschool Equivalency Guides

STEP 5: Submit Required Running Start Paperwork

• Access needed paperwork in Step 4
• You must submit all paperwork before the Enrollment Hold can be removed from your account
• All signatures will need to be on the EVF form: counselor, student & parent/guardian

STEP 6: Meet with CPTC Running Start Counselor to Register for Classes

• Before meeting you should Activate your ctcLink account and watch the Registration Video
• Review class outline and/or Program Map issued by CPTC Running Start Counselor
• Confirm Registration date & time
• Add classes to Cart and register

STEP 7: Prepare to Start Classes

• Make a plan to pay for fees & books (Running Start only covers the cost of tuition)
• Register for New Student Orientation
• Set up CPTC Email account (48 hours after registering)
• Set up Canvas account (requires CPTC email)
• Know your first day of classes

Running Start Eligible Programs

Pre-Requisite Classes For

• Dental Assistant
• Histology Lab Technician
• Human Services
• Practical Nursing Certificate
• Medical Lab Technician
• Surgical Technician