LEARN MORE ABOUT RUNNING START

Running Start is a statewide program offered by all community and technical colleges in the state, including WCC.

High school juniors and seniors can save time and money on college, earning college credits while still in high school. See the costs of Running Start. 

As a Running Start student, you can:

• take online or in-person classes
• choose between a full-time or part-time class schedule
• still participate in high school activities as well as college activities
• save thousands of dollars on your college degree
• save up to two years of time in your educational journey

It’s never too late to apply! You can even take classes in the summer! See info on Summer Running Start🌞

Too young for Running Start? You may be able to qualify for special admission!

Want to hear from Running Start students about their experience?
Check out the Running Start Student Stories page.

Haven’t found the answer to your question yet?
Check out the Running Start FAQs page.

MEET THE RUNNING START TEAM:

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Allison Kaneshige
Career and Academic Advisor
Dual Credit Programs

📧 Email: AKaneshige@whatcom.edu
📞 Phone: 360.383.3125

About Allison:
As an Academic Advisor, I support Running Start students in navigating their educational goals – I assist with registration and course questions, degree completion, post-graduation path planning, and more.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor of Arts in Education, Communities, and Organizations (ECO) & Communication, University of Washington

Why I Love Working at Running Start:
I love getting to work with students directly, hearing and learning about their favorite things, and what they want their future to look like. College can hold a lot of unknowns, so I’m always excited to be a part of the process and help make things clearer. WCC is an exciting place for you to explore your passions and interests, while also earning credit for High School!

Fun Fact:
I spent a summer in college sailing across the Atlantic Ocean with strangers, and prior to working at Whatcom, I worked at Disney World. Ask me about the best Disney snacks!

Dan Swigart-Harris
Program Specialist for Running Start
Dual Credit Programs

📧 Email: DHarris@whatcom.edu
📞 Phone: 360.383.3124

About Dan:
I work behind the scenes with numbers and reports and accounts, so that you, the student, hopefully don’t have to think about them too much! You may see me from time to time, as I manage our Book Loan Program and Fee Waiver. Also, I communicate often with your high school counselor and registrar.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor of Arts, English, Western Washington University
• All kinds of stuff in the office and in the classroom at various K-12 schools and colleges.

Why I Love Working at Running Start:
There are so many pieces to Running Start: numbers, laws, policies. It’s a wonderful challenge to make everything work together, and very satisfying when all the gears turn just right.

Fun Fact:
Favorite Symphony: Kalinnikov #1

David Achutegui
Program Specialist
Orca Central & Running Start

📧 Email: dachuteguimarin@whatcom.edu
📞 Phone: 360.383.3147

About David:

I work as a Program Specialist at Orca Central, where I handle the processing of Enrollment Verification Forms (EVFs) for the Running Start program and contribute to front desk operations. My role involves collaborating with the team to manage a range of responsibilities, including answering phone and email inquiries, and performing general administrative support tasks. 

Education & Experience:

• Professional Certificate in Computer System Administration from IES Valle del Cidacos (Spain)
• BA in Marketing and Markets Research from Universidad Oberta de Cataluña (Spain)
• Experience working in Transitional Learning

Why I Love Working at Running Start:

Being part of Running Start means helping students take bold steps into college life while still in high school. What inspires me most is contributing to a program that creates meaningful opportunities for every kid and family, empowering them to dream bigger and reach further.

Fun Fact:

I’ve watched every episode of The Simpsons—at least twice being humble. If you ever need a quote for any situation, I’ve got you covered.

Jackie Ferry
Career and Academic Advisor
Dual Credit Programs

📧 Email: JFerry@whatcom.edu
📞 Phone: 360.383.3129

About Jackie:
As an advisor in Running Start, I support high school students as they navigate the transition to college level coursework and decision making. I help students understand their academic options, set goals and make informed decisions about their education. My background as a high school teacher gives me insight into the challenges and opportunities they face and I love being part of their journey toward success.

Education & Experience:

• Master's of Education, Western Washington University
• Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources, University of Washington
• Former High School Science Teacher and FFA Advisor
• Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Certificate, University of Washington
• Business Management-Social Media Marketing Certificate, Bellingham Technical College

Why I Love Working at Running Start:
I love working in Running Start because it allows me to support and empower students as they navigate the transition from high school to college. As a former teacher, homeroom advisor and mom, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful early college experiences can be. It’s incredibly rewarding to help students explore their potential, build confidence and take charge of their education in a supportive environment.

Fun Fact:
On most Saturday’s, you can find me at the Bellingham Farmer’s Market selling my hand crafted jam and jelly.

Karla Coglizer
Associate Director for Running Start
Dual Credit Programs

📧 Email: KCoglizer@whatcom.edu
📞 Phone: 360.383.3126

About Karla:
My role at WCC is to know everything about being a Running Start student! I help students and families understand the program, advise and coach students, and represent the interests of Running Start students within the WCC community.

Education & Experience:

• Master of Arts in Education with a Specialization in Counseling, Washington State University
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Communication, Willamette University
• Dispute Resolution Certification, University of Idaho College of Law
• Leadership Coaching Certification, Be More U
• High School Counselor for 7 years

Why I Love Working at Running Start:
My favorite part of working in Running Start is helping students and families to maneuver through the immense growth that happens when teenagers enter the college environment. Nerves to confidence, dependence to autonomy, adolescence to maturity.

Fun Fact:
I feel most alive when I am creating new experiences in new places. I have visited all the U.S. states and over 30 countries, seeing incredible beauty in them all.

Katie DeOrio
Director for Dual Credit Programs
Dual Credit Programs

📧 Email: KDeorio@whatcom.edu
📞 Phone: 360.383.3122

About Katie:
My role is to support the incredible staff of Running Start so they can best serve high school students and their advocates. I’m passionate about creating systems and opportunities that make earning college credits in high school a smooth and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Education & Experience:

• Master in Public Administration, New York University
• Master in Education, University of St. Thomas
• Bachelor of Arts, Tufts University
• Worked in public school operations for 15 years.

Why I Love Working at Running Start:
I love my job because I get to support an incredible team of smart, dedicated, and kind staff who are passionate about helping students accelerate their dreams. It’s inspiring to see high school students take bold steps toward their future, and I’m grateful to play a part in creating opportunities that make their journey rewarding.

Fun Fact:
On the weekends, you will usually find me outside in the woods or watching my children play soccer.

First, decide if Running Start is right for you.

Learn what it’s like to be a Running Start student and get all your questions answered by attending an information session. 

Scroll to the bottom of this page to see upcoming live information session dates.

Alternatively, view a recorded Information Session online. 

Are you more of a reader? Visit the Running Start FAQ page.

Most high schools offer Running Start information gatherings in the winter/spring, so be sure to attend!

See the Glossary of Terms

Apply to WCC online.

• The application should only take 5 to 10 minutes.
• The application does NOT require a transcript, essay or letter of recommendation.
• All high school juniors and seniors are accepted.

Once you create and log into your account, please use these guidelines: 

• College: Whatcom Community College
• I will be enrolling as a: Running Start
• Program: Academic
• Term: Select the quarter you plan to start classes
• Degree or Certificate I am seeking: Academic Transfer DTA (unless pursuing a different specific degree - you can always change your mind about this later).
• Academic Focus area: This is your choice and it is not required.
• Attended From Date: the approximate date you started 9th grade
• Attended To Date: The approximate date you intend to GRADUATE from high school

View step-by-step instructions.

Applications are accepted any time. But the ideal time to apply is:

• March for Summer term (June-August)
• March for Fall term (September-December)
• October for Winter term (January-March)
• January for Spring term (April-June)

Apply to WCC

After your application has been processed, you’ll receive an acceptance email with your ctcLink ID number. You will use your ctcLink ID to activate your ctcLink account and MyWCC account.

• Activate your ctcLink ID. View full instructions for ctcLink ID Activation.
• Activate your MyWCC account. You will have received an email from helpdesk@whatcom.edu with a link to set up your MyWCC account.
• Download Navigate360 app and sign in

  Opt-in for text notifications. Opt-in so you never miss out on important updates and reminders regarding registration, tuition, and the courses you are enrolled in at WCC!

Issues with ctcLink or MyWCC? Call our Student Help Desk at 360-383-3410 for assistance.

After you set up your ctcLink and MyWCC accounts, you'll want to determine your math and English placement.

English Placement: Find your starting level in English through Informed Self-Placement. English 101 is the highest starting level for self-placement.

Math Placement: Visit the math placement webpage if you plan to take Math at WCC (or a class with a Math requirement, like Chemistry), 

The Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (EVF) must be completed with a high school contact each quarter before a Running Start student may enroll in college classes. This ensures that you are on track for high school graduation. (Exceptions can be made during high school breaks. Contact your WCC advisor for assistance.)

EVF for Fall / Winter / Spring

EVF for Summer Quarter

The Running Start EVF form is required prior to class enrollment. Please send your signed enrollment verification form to rstart@whatcom.edu

If you need to know which WCC classes meet your graduating requirements, see your district's equivalency guide.

If you are a senior delaying your graduation so that you can participate in Summer classes, complete the Assurances for Students Delaying Graduation. 

New Student Entry Advising

New Students may choose to meet with a WCC Advisor prior to enrolling. Completing your advising appointment prior to your enrollment date allows you to enroll as early as possible. To check when enrollment opens each quarter, view your Enrollment Date in ctcLink or refer to the Registration Calendar. 

Once you complete steps 1-4 above, you may schedule an appointment with your WCC advisor using your Navigate360 app or call Orca Central at 360-383-3080. Appointments are available either on campus or remotely. Running Start Advisors are available year-round, including during high school breaks. 

• Student last names A-K: Allison Kaneshige
• Student last names L-Z: Jackie Ferry

Continued Advising Support:

Advisors will continue to be available to you by appointment throughout your time with Running Start to assist with educational planning and student support.

For quick questions after you've completed New Student Advising, attend drop-in advising on Zoom (see ADVISING in the right-hand column of this page) or email your assigned advisor:

If you're considering a degree, watch the following video: Understanding College Degrees

You can add and drop classes on your own in ctcLink! Find detailed instructions on the CtcLink Student Resources and Tutorials webpage to:

• Enroll in classes after your Enrollment Date
• Or add classes to your shopping cart early and enroll later
• Drop a class if you change your mind

Remember to use your equivalency guide to determine which college classes meet high school requirements.

New Student Orientation is an opportunity to meet staff and other students, learn about career pathways, and prepare for a strong start in college.

View the calendar for upcoming New Student Orientation sessions!

Watch our Campus Tour video to learn your way around!

Visit the front desk of the Learning Commons Building. You can get your Orca Student ID card 24 hours after you have enrolled in classes. Bring another form of photo ID, such as a driver's license or high school ID.

Your Orca ID card allows you access to the Student Recreation Center, printing services, athletic events, plus discounts all over town, especially on Whatcom Wednesdays!

Running Start is NOT completely free. Running Start students' tuition is paid by the state, but all college students are charged fees.

Running Start payments are due before the start of each quarter, based on date enrolled. View the Enrollment Calendar with payment due dates.

Don’t worry, we’ll also email you a reminder before the due date.  A missed payment could result in a block on your account that prevents further registration until the fees are paid.

There are three ways to pay your Running Start Fees:

1. Pay In-Person: visit the Cashier’s window in the Laidlaw Center.
2. Pay Over the Phone: pay over the phone by calling the College Cashier at 360.383.3363
3. Pay Online:
   1. Log into ctcLink (Visit the ctcLink Login page). For best results, use a desktop browser, not the mobile site.
   2. If it doesn’t come up automatically, navigate to the Student Homepage
   3. Click on the “Financial Account” Tile
   4. Click “Account Balance”
   5. Click “Make a Payment”

Note: If it is after the payment due date and your account has a block, the block will be removed the morning of the next business day after your payment.

Fees can be waived for students with a qualifying financial need.

If you are living on a low income, or if your family is struggling financially, fill out the Fee Waiver Petition. This option can waive many, but not all the expenses owed to the college.

• Fee waivers are available to students who qualify for free or reduced meals at their high school.
• You can also qualify for a fee waiver if you receive state or federal benefits such as Basic Food or Apple Healthcare.

Fill out Fee Waiver Petition form       

Running Start students are responsible for getting their own textbooks and class materials. Look up required books at the WCC Campus Store website. Book lists are posted a month or more before classes begin, so you can start shopping early.

If you cannot afford the cost of your required textbooks, apply for loaner books.  Fill out the Book Loan Application.

• In order to receive books by the first day of class, you must apply two weeks before the start of the quarter. 
• Late applications are always accepted. However, students who apply late might not receive books in time to complete the first assignments.