Running Start

The Running Start program was created by the Washington state legislature in the early 1990's as an opportunity for eligible high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit at local and technical colleges, tuition free. Books, fees, and transportation are the student's responsibility and are billed quarterly. Students who can demonstrate financial need can request assistance through the colleges.

Students should visit the Running Start webpages of the college they wish to attend and read all of the information there. Below are links to the Running Start pages of the schools most commonly attended by Tahoma students, but students can attend any Washington college that offers Running Start.

Local College Options:

Green River

Renton Technical College

Bellevue College

Power Hour Information Sessions about Running Start - February & March 2026

Students are highly encouraged to attend one of these in the PAC during PH. You can just show up -- no need to sign up ahead of time.

Slides from Power Hour Presentation

Attend THS HIGH SCHOOL & BEYOND NIGHT to hear from Green River College Staff

March 5th, 2026 - Full Event 5:30-8:00pm

Running Start Session:

7:30 - 8:00 pm

THS - PAC 1

High School and Beyond Night Event Info

Previously recorded Green River Running Start Infomration Session YouTube 

To enroll in Running Start, students must complete these steps in this order: 

1. Register for classes following the directions of your Tahoma High School counselors during registration presentations. 

2. Apply to the college you want to attend. Wait for admission offer from college. This offer comes to the email you use to fill out your application. 

3. Once admitted, activate your CTCLink college account. Complete all items on the checklist you are provided by the college to complete enrollment.

4. Read and complete the Running Start Agreement with a parent at home. Parent must complete the form electronically indicating permission.

5. Meet with THS counselor - you must have your CTC Link student ID number from the college and have completed THS Running Start agreement before you can schedule a meeting.

   • • Students should stop by the counseling office or call 425-413-6204 to schedule an appointment. 

     • At this appointment, your counselor will fill out your Enrollment Verification Form (EVF) with you so you know what classes you need to take to meet high school graduation requirements. The number of college credits paid for dependd on number of classes taken at THS. Each EVF is unique based on what credits a student has earned and what they need to take at the college to meet THS graduation requirements. 

6. Submit completed EVF to the Running Start office at the college using their directions. You will complete an EVF with your counselor for EACH quarter you are in Running Start. 

7. Once all paperwork is submitted, Running Start staff at the college will contact you directly to set up a next steps for enrollment with them.