Running Start
In 1999, CCSNH introduced the Running Start program, a partnership enabling high school students to enroll in college courses at a significant reduction in tuition. In 2006, Running Start was a recipient of the New England Board of Higher Education Excellence in Education Award.
Through Running Start, high school students in the North Country earn WMCC credit. This unique partnership between the College and local area high schools offers high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to take selected college-level courses and earn college credit for successful completion of these courses. These courses are taught at the high school during the regular school day by high school teachers whose courses and teaching credentials have been certified by WMCC. During the 2021-2022 school year, 476 North Country students took one or more WMCC courses through Running Start.
The cost of a course is $150, plus books and supplies, which are usually provided by participating high schools. These costs are well below the per-credit tuition costs at all New Hampshire public and private institutions of higher education and offer significant savings on college tuition and degree completion.
Information regarding current Running Start courses at participating high schools is available at www.wmcc.edu/academics/high-school-cte-programs/running-start-program/.
Early College
The Early College program gives high school students an opportunity to enroll in college credits courses in Berlin, Littleton, North Conway, or online. Students are integrated into college courses that could be applied to an associate degree or certificate at WMCC or transferred to another college. If the student’s high school allows, credit from the Early College program may also count toward a student’s high school graduation requirements. Students should speak with their high school guidance counselor about enrolling in the Early College program.
High School Articulation Agreements
Various high schools are developing written agreements with the College to ensure guaranteed acceptance for motivated students. These agreements specify the competencies needed for acceptance, and they show the student how to meet them. They also spell out how a student can earn college credit while in high school.
WMCC has agreements with the following high schools.
| High School/CTE Programs | WMCC Curriculum Areas |
|---|---|
| Alvirne High School, Hudson, NH | Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology |
| Berlin High School, Berlin, NH | Early Childhood Ed./Teacher Education |
| Concord Regional Technical Center, Concord, NH | Culinary Arts |
| Hartford Area Career and Technology Center, White River Junction, VT | Culinary/Baking and Pastry Arts |
| Kennett High School, Kennett, NH | Early Childhood Ed./Teacher Education |
| Littleton High School, Littleton, NH | Early Childhood Ed./Teacher Education, Health Science |
| Manchester School of Technology, Manchester, NH | Automotive Technology |
| Mt. Washington Valley Career & Technical Ctr., North Conway, NH | Culinary Arts |
| Portsmouth High School, Portsmouth, NH | Automotive Technology |
| River Bend Career and Technical Center, Bradford, VT | Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Information Technology |
|
Sacopee Valley High School, Hiram, ME |
Advanced Welding |
| Spaulding High School, Rochester, NH | Culinary/Baking and Pastry Arts |
| Sugar River Valley High School, Newport, NH | Culinary/Baking and Pastry Arts |
| White Mountains Regional High School, Whitefield, NH | Advanced Welding Technology, Culinary Arts, Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology |