OLYMPIA –On April 3, Governor Inslee signed legislation to create a Running Start summer school pilot program.
House Bill 2864, sponsored by Representative Dave Paul, D-Oak Harbor, establishes the pilot project and authorizes the Superintendent of Public Instruction to consult with the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges to develop the program.
“There isn’t much about our current school year that is normal. My heart goes out to teachers and students, especially seniors, whose school year is ending differently than they expected,” said Paul. “Eventually, things will return to normal, and we will need to help prepare students to be successful in a difficult economy.”
“Dual-credit programs like Running Start are incredibly cost-effective and help students graduate from college earlier and with less debt,” continued Paul. “Some students find it difficult to access Running Start and summer school offers a great alternative for these students to get an early start on their college degree. I’m proud this bill passed with broad bipartisan support.”
In addition to Running Start, Washington also offers other dual enrollment programs for high school students, including College in the High School and CTE Dual Credit. Paul represents the 10th Legislative District.