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Jump Start on
College
A common misconception is that the purpose
of Running Start is degree completion. In fact, in 2003-04, only 788
students earned a complete Associate of Arts degree at the same time
they completed high school. It has been consistent over time that about
5 percent of Running Start students complete both high school and community
college at the same time. It is much more common for students to take
the credits earned through Running Start and continue at the two-year
college or transfer to a university. In 2003-04, 11,085 students who
previously participated in Running Start were continuing their studies
at the two-year colleges. (Data about students who transfer to universities
is not available at this time.)
Running Start gives students a taste of college,
an experience that can help them develop the independence and study
skills needed to succeed in college. Students also benefit from having
some college credits earned when they transition into full-time college.
Workforce Students
During 2003-04, about 8 percent of Running Start students were attending
college with the goal of increasing skills needed in the workforce.
The largest portion of these workforce-oriented students completed information
technology programs (some 13 percent). Other programs with significant
numbers of completions included nursing, administrative support, and
auto/diesel mechanics.
The most recent employment outcomes information
is for students who left the community and technical college system
in 2002-03. Former workforce Running Start students had an estimated
placement rate of 83 percent, which is higher than the total population
of workforce students exiting the colleges.
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