OLYMPIA – Under a new state law passed by Rep. Debra Entenman, D-Kent, students who complete their associate degree under the Running Start program can now receive a high school diploma regardless of age. Before the passage of HB 1714, Running Start students under the age of 21 could not be awarded a diploma upon completion of their associate degree, resulting in an inability to receive federal financial aid.
“As someone who was also a non-traditional student and as a member of the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees, I have seen the amazing effort put in by Running Start students. Having an arbitrary cutoff date that denies them the ability to continue their education and pursue their dreams is unnecessary and only slows the state’s ability to grow an educated workforce. I appreciate the hard work students, educators, and college administrators did to help me pass this law,” said Entenman.
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