For many students, the Running Start program is a valuable way to get a head start on college credits or obtain an associate degree.<\/p>\n
But for those students under the age of 21 in the program who complete their associate degree, they are denied a high school diploma. That’s because the law required students to be 21 or older in order to be issued a high school diploma. That can lead to many problems, including unstable housing and an inability to receive federal financial aid.<\/p>\n
As a non-traditional student herself, Rep. Debra Entenman, D-Kent, 47th Legislative District, understands that barriers to success can make or break a student’s educational career. That is why she passed HB 1714, which requires community and technical colleges to issue a high school diploma to students aged 16 to 20 when they satisfactorily complete the associate degree.<\/p>\n
“Many students go to community and technical colleges, participate in Running Start, and they may not have always had a good beginning in high school. But they want to get a diploma, instead of a G.E.D., because they feel that is what they have earned. I ask that we support this legislation to allow them to receive a diploma,” said Entenman from the floor of the House.<\/p>\n