Running Start

Get on the fast track to a college education!
2017-2018 participating high schools
Get a running start on college!
Transferring after Running Start

Running Start allows highly-qualified high school juniors to earn a high school diploma from their local high school or homeschool while simultaneously earning a transfer degree from SWIC. While courses are offered at all SWIC campuses (Belleville, Sam Wolf Granite City, and Red Bud), specific programs and courses may be available only at the Belleville Campus. This is a two-year program and may not be completed early.

Running Start 1.0 allows highly qualified high school seniors to earn one year of college credit while simultaneously earning credit to earn their high school diploma from their local high school or homeschool. At the end of the year, high school graduates may choose to return to SWIC to complete an associate degree or they may transfer to another college or university. This is a one-year program and may not be completed early.

Running Start students will be integrated into existing college classes with advanced rigor and subject matter. Students will have the opportunity to work in a challenging educational environment and to excel academically while completing high school and college requirements.

The Running Start Program began as a pilot program in fall 2012 with ten students from one high school. Today, the program has 322 students enrolled for fall semester 2017, representing 17 public high school partners and area home schools.

As SWIC students, Running Start participants can transfer to a four-year institution in the same manner as other community college students. Students may choose to participate in high school athletics and other after-school programs. Running Start students may participate in SWIC student clubs, organizations, and activities, but may not compete in intercollegiate athletics.

Program Requirements
To be eligible for the traditional Running Start program, students must meet the following criteria:

Be currently enrolled as a high school sophomore, preparing to enter junior year
Possess and maintain a 3.00/4.00 GPA
Be in good standing with their high school institution
Be on track to graduate on time
Be recommended by their high school principal or counselor
Have completed one year of high school algebra and geometry
Take the SWIC placement assessment and test into college-level English and math courses
Have completed all documents necessary for participation

To be eligible for Running Start 1.0, students must meet the following criteria:

Be currently enrolled as a high school junior, preparing to enter senior year
Possess and maintain a 3.00/4.00 GPA
Be in good standing with their high school institution
Be on track to graduate on time
Be recommended by their high school principal or counselor
Have completed two years of high school algebra and geometry
Take the SWIC placement assessment and test into college-level English and math courses
Have completed all documents necessary for participation

Southwestern Illinois College has established the minimum program requirements listed above. Some high schools have enhanced the program requirements. Partner high schools may elect to limit the number of students who may participate. Please contact your local high school for more information.

You Should Know
Through Running Start, students will have the following responsibilities and opportunities:

Be subject to all college rules and regulations
Begin creating their college transcripts and records
Be considered as both a high school and college student
Attend school according to the college calendar

Tuition and Fees
The participation fees vary by high school.

Students are expected to provide their own transportation to the college campus. They may drive to any SWIC campus with no charge for parking.

Need more information?
Contact your local high school principal or the Running Start office at 618-641-5142 or RunningStart@swic.edu.

Students who qualify for the program by meeting all standards and criteria are identified by the high school and subsequently invited to an informational meeting for students and parents.