Running Start
Get a head start on your college education
Running Start is a dual credit program that gives high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take tuition-free classes and earn college credits at Wenatchee Valley College. Whether you choose to attend WVC full-time or part-time, you can earn credits that count toward both your high school diploma and your associate's degree, helping you get a running start on your education!
Benefits to Running Start
- Learn from expert faculty: Experience a rich classroom learning environment and take a wide variety of classes!
- Save on Tuition: Earn up to two years of tuition-free college credit.
- Gain College Experience: Get a head start on pursuing your four-year degree on WVC's beautiful college campuses.
- Advance Education Goals: Running Start students earn credits that can be transferred to all of Washington's public four-year colleges and universities.
- Access College Services: Get access to academic advising, accommodations, counseling, tuturing, student events and activities, and so much more!
Important Application Dates
Running Start applications are open!
- Spring 2026: Applications are accepted from January 1 - March 18
- Summer 2026: Applications are accepted from March 1 - June 15
- Fall 2026: Applications are accepted from March 1 - September 7
Apply today!
Are you interested in joining the Running Start program at Wenatchee Valley College? Our Running Start team is here to help set you up for success! Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements before going through the application process. We are excited for you to join our WVC community.
Learn moreMeet the Running Start Team
Zachary Johnson
Wenatchee Campus College Navigator
Zach advises students with A-L last names.
Edwardo Alcantar
Wenatchee Campus College Navigator
Edwardo advises students with M-Z last names.
"By joining [Running Start], I was able to gain college experience and credits so I could transfer to a four-year program. Running Start helped me get ahead and save money on college.”
Hailey Hopkins , WVC Running Start and Eastmont High School Student
“Join Running Start and pursue the harder classes! Even though it might seem like a challenge, it will definitely pay off in the long run, and it’s just a next step for preparing you for the next level.”
Ethan Kamphaus , WVC Running Start and Wenatchee High School Student
"When I first heard about Running Start, I couldn’t believe that tuition was free, especially since I didn’t have the tools to know how to apply for financial aid or scholarships.”
Aracely Mendoza , WVC Director of Concurrent Enrollment, Running Start Alum
Location:
Wenatchee Campus:
1300 Fifth Street
Wells Hall room 1070
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Omak Campus:
116 Apple Ave W
Administration Building
Omak, WA 98841
Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 am-5 pm
Friday: By appointment only
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Contact Us:
Wenatchee Campus:
509.682.6920
Omak Campus:
509.422.7848