Summer Running Start

Earn college credits when you take SPSCC classes this summer. Current and new Running Start students are welcome to join!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Summer 2023 registration is now closed. This page will be updated with Summer 2024 information beginning in March 2024. As far as we know, summer Running Start will be available for the following populations:

  1. Currently enrolled junior Running Start students for the 2023-2024 academic year that have not used their full 1.40 FTE allotment up to a maximum of 10 credits tuition funded.
  2. Currently enrolled senior Running Start students for the 2023-2024 academic year that have maxed out their full 1.40 FTE allotment and are within 15 credits or less of finishing a degree at SPSCC.

Students who will be new Running Start in fall 2024 do not have summer funds available to them Summer 2024. You are welcome to take classes, but will pay full tuition and fees out of pocket.

Interested in getting more information as it is released? Please sign up on our Summer Running Start Interest Form to keep in the loop!

SPSCC registers summer and fall quarter together, so make sure you are planning and registering for both quarters.

Students do not need to do the Under Age 18 enrollment request for summer when they will be a Running Start student for the fall. Follow the admissions and registration steps for Running Start to register for both your summer and fall classes.

Summer Quarter Dates

  • : New Student Registration Begins

  • : Tuition & Fees Due

  • : Admissions Deadline

  • : First Day of Classes

  • : Finals Week

  • : Grades Post

Since summer quarter is self-paid by the student, you can enroll in any course you meet the prerequisite for and it will not count against your Running Start enrollment for the rest of the school year. Many Running Start students will take:

  • College & Career Success Courses: CCS 101 is a required course for all SPSCC students within your first two quarters of enrollment at the college.  Taking CCS 101 along with CCS 102, 103 or 104 will satisfy the High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) requirement for most high schools.  You can look at your school’s Running Start Equivalency List to see what combination works for your school.
  • Art, P.E. and World Language Courses: Many students like to wrap up their Fine Arts, P.E. and World Language requirements for high school during summer quarter before diving into their “core” academic courses for the rest of the year.
  • AMATH & CMATH Courses: If based on your Math placement you need to take an AMATH or CMATH course, it is best to take these over summer quarter because Running Start cannot pay the tuition on the AMATH and CMATH courses during the regular academic year.  These courses are a unique blend of pre-college and college level math in the same course.  You have the potential to earn college math credit at the end of the quarter based on your performance in the course.
  • SPSCC Degree Required Courses: For students wanting to complete an Associate Degree at SPSCC but who only want to go part time during the Fall to Spring term or need to take other classes outside of their degree to meet high school graduation requirements, summer classes help you stay on track to finish your degree on time!
  • Credit Recovery Courses: If you have classes that you need to repeat for high school or an SPSCC degree, summer can be a great time to focus in on that coursework and get caught up on your credit.

How Long is Summer Quarter?

Summer quarter is only 8 weeks long! It runs from the beginning of July to the end of August.

Students are encouraged to take no more than 10 credits in summer because of the short length of the term. It is critical that students attend all 8 weeks of the quarter; if you are planning on a summer vacation or other time that will keep you away from class, summer classes might not be a good fit for you. Questions? email runningstart@spscc.edu. 

Tuition, Fees, Books & Support

Tuition & Fees

Summer Running Start funds available to cover tuition costs for qualifying summer students. Students are responsible for the cost of tuition beyond funding limits or when enrolling in AMATH or CMATH classes and fees on all courses during Summer Quarter. While there is no Federal or State financial aid support available to Running Start students, students can set up a payment plan through SPSCC. Students are responsible for adhering to the payment deadlines for all enrolled classes.

Most Running Start students taking summer classes will have some tuition that they pay out of pocket. You must fill out the Dual Credit Residency form to be charged the appropriate tuition rate.

Dual Credit Residency Form

Once completed Dual Credit Residency update forms must be turned into SPSCC for processing. Email the completed form to enroll@spscc.edu or bring it to the Start Here counter in Building 22 on the Olympia Campus.

Books & Supplies

Books and supplies are the responsibility of the student.  Running Start students that qualify for Fee Waiver can apply for the Book Borrow program.

Transportation & Virtual Connections

Transportation to on-campus classes, technology, and internet connection to support online learning are the responsibility of the student.  There are many places on campus to access free WiFi, use a computer and print that students are welcome to access during the summer.

Advising & Support During Summer

SPSCC is open all Summer Quarter, including support services in-person in Bldg. 22 at the Olympia Campus and Building 1 at the Lacey campus and virtually.

  • Have someone look over your essay or paper;
  • Get help with math functions;
  • Check out books or resources from the Library;
  • Meet with your Educational & Career Planner; and
  • Much more!