Measure would clear the way for Washington high schoolers to get an even earlier jump on college

A bill to allow incoming 11th graders to take summer college courses is headed to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk.

The “Walking to Running Start” measure, led by Republican Sen. Brad Hawkins of East Wenatchee, passed the house 92-1 last week. The bill had already cleared the Senate.

It’s an expansion of the state’s Running Start program, which has allowed juniors and seniors to earn college credit while in high school for over two decades.

Diana Haglund, communications director for the Wenatchee School District, said about 250 students there currently participate in the program — and they’re excited to offer it to more.

One perk of the expansion, Haglund said, is that students can ease into the college experience more gradually during the summer term.

“It’s kind of an intro to that, to give kids a flavor and sort of kick the tires on what Running Start would be like, and what the rigor level of college classes would be,” she said.

Haglund is also hopeful that the bill will allow more students to pursue higher education — especially those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it.

In Wenatchee, 65% of students are considered low income.

While Running Start students have to purchase textbooks, provide their own transportation to classes, and pay some other fees, college tuition is covered by their home school district.

“We have a lot of first-generation students who are coming through our system and could really benefit from those two years of Running Start experience, to help them get a leg up,” she said. “It makes a big difference in that accessibility and equity of access for many of our students and families.”

Assuming Inslee signs off on the bill, the measure will go into effect 90 days after the session ends. Students will be able to earn as many as 10 credits during the summer before their junior year.