Community Information

Education  and Employment

Olympic College~Mason County Literacy~Running Start
and much much more

Mason County Literacy

Services

Small Group and 1:1 Instruction: Reading, Writing, Math, GED Prep, ESOL & Technology
One-on-one and small group tutoring in basic skills and English for Speakers of Other Languages is provided by trained community volunteers. Small group study circles and one-on-one tutoring offer an important alternative for adult learners. Locations include sites in Shelton, Belfair, Hoodsport, Olympia and Lacey.

GED Classes
Small classes at the MCL Learning Center are taught by MCL instructors, and provide opportunities for learners to enhance basic skills while preparing for the GED exam. Accessible classes include flexibility in scheduling and individualized learning plans to meet the needs of participants.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Program
Facilitated by MCL instructors in collaboration with trained community volunteers. this small group tutoring model emphasizes English conversation, reading & writing skills while focusing on issues of importance to language learners such as: health care, employment, emergencies, immigration, and housing. Instruction is offered at CHOICE High School during daytime & evening hours. One-on-one tutoring options are also available.

English Language Civics Project
This project gives English language learners the information, skills, and tools to better understand and become involved in their new community. Activities promote an understanding of community structures and services, help students reflect on local issues, and provide opportunities for positive involvement in the community.

Spanish GED and Literacy Program
Classes support learners in developing the skills and knowledge to pass the GED test in Spanish. Tutoring in basic Spanish reading and writing for Spanish speakers with low literacy skills is also provided.

Family Literacy Services
Family Literacy programs strive to break the intergenerational cycle of poor literacy skills by ensuring quality adult education, developmentally-appropriate educational programs for children, and opportunities to promote both good parenting practices and activities for positive parent-child interaction. MCL provides a bilingual homework room and early childhood education program while parents attend ESL classes. The Shelton School District’s Evenstart Family Literacy Program partners with MCL on this project by offering a daytime class option & technical support.

Community Technology Center
Community adults with an interest in developing or improving basic computer skills can receive small group or individualized instruction in personal computer and information technology skills.

Community Education
MCL staff and volunteers conduct workshops, classes, and presentations on literacy-related and diversity issues to community organizations, agencies, and other groups. Low-cost Spanish language classes are offered at St. David’s Episcopal Church. In partnership with Pioneer Kiwanis, the MotherRead/FatherRead family literacy program is offered at Pioneer School.

In the heart of downtown Shelton

Mason County Literacy
P.O. Box 2529
133 West Railroad Ave.
Shelton, WA 98584

Phone: (360) 426-9733
Fax:     (360) 426-9789
Email: staff at mason county literacy dot org

Running Start

About Running Start

Running Start is an opportunity for qualified high school juniors and seniors to take college-level courses tuition-free! Students earn both high school and college credits, which may be applied toward high school graduation and toward an associate or baccalaureate degree. Five college quarter credits equal one high school credit. Books, supplies, some fees and transportation are the responsibility of the student. Students may enroll in a combination of Olympic College and the high school classes or take classes only at the college. 

Eligibility Requirements:

Have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or above.
Must be a high school junior or senior as determined by the high school.
Qualify for college level courses in writing, reading and/or mathematics on the Accuplacer assessment.
Information guide and application packets available at:

Download the Information and Application packet (PDF)
Your high school counseling center
Main campus at the Running Start Office 360-475-7646
OC Poulsbo 360-394-2726
OC Shelton 360-432-5400
For more information or to have the information guide and application packet mailed to you, please email us at: runningstart@oc.ctc.edu.


Photo courtesy of The Sun, Larry Steagall, photographer

College Service Center , Room 322

360-475-7646 or

1-800-259-6718 ext. 7646

FAX: 360-475-7643

Hours

Monday -Friday,

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

runningstart@oc.ctc.edu

Susan Tollefson

Manager & Advisor

Bonnie Ollos

Coordinator & Advisor

Heather Ashley

Program Assistant

Applying for Running Start

Start Early!

Complete a general Application for Admission, take the college assessment and then submit a Running Start Application form with a copy of your assessment scores and a copy of your high school transcript by the following priority dates:

Fall Quarter: May 1
Winter Quarter: November 15
Spring Quarter: February 15
Steps to Follow

1.
Submit a General OC Application for Admission online.
Please indicate Running Start as your college program or course of study (this is important so you get directed into the Running Start admissions process instead of the regular student admissions process). You will receive an OC Student Identification Number (SID) by mail or by e-mail.
 

2.
Take ACCUPLACER, the college assessment.
Once you have your SID number you may schedule the assessment for reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Indicate the assessment is for Running Start. Students with disabilities may contact Access Services for information about assessment accommodations.

Bremerton:
Student Entry and Advising Center (SEAC) 
360-475-7230 or  
1-800-259-6718 ext. 7230

 
Poulsbo:
Student Services Office 
360-394-2725
 

Shelton:
Front Office 
360-432-5400
 
Fee:

$15 non-refundable fee due to the Cashier's Office prior to taking the assessment.  

Students may take no more than 2 assessments in one calendar year. The assessment fee is required each time a student takes the assessment. Placement scores are valid for 2 years.

             What to take to your assessment appointment:

·         Cashier’s receipt showing proof of payment

·         Photo ID
·         SID

*Please allow extra time to park and pay your fee.
 
3.
Review your assessment scores.
Students must place into English 101, Composition, (college level writing and college levelreading) to qualify to enroll in college classes other than mathematics. To enroll in mathematics classes, students must place into Math 107/119 or above. College level math placement is not required for Running Start admission.
 
4.
Apply to Running Start.
Submit the following together by the priority due dates listed above:
Running Start Application form
Copy of your assessment scores
Copy of your high school transcript (unofficial copy is OK)
 
Mail to:

Olympic College 
Running Start Office 
1600 Chester Avenue 
Bremerton, WA 98337-1699
 
In person:

OC Bremerton
College Service Center, Room 322

 
OC Poulsbo 
Student Services Office, Room 114

 
OC Shelton
Front Office

Home school and private school students
For home school students to access Running Start, parents must file a Declaration of Intent to Home-based Instruction and a Running Start Enrollment Request with the local public school district. To apply for Running Start students must submit a copy of the Running Start Enrollment Request signed by the district official with the Running Start Application form, college assessment scores, and a high school transcript or a parent recommendation.
 
Private school students must enroll through a public high school to participate in Running Start. Students may have dual enrollment in the private school and public school and do not have to take classes at the public high school.

 

After You're Accepted to Running Start

1.       Attend Running Start Orientation
You will receive a letter of acceptance and be invited to a required Running Start orientation session. You will learn about the college culture and resources, program procedures and faculty expectations. At orientation you will receive an appointment for advising and registration. Your parents are welcome to attend orientation with you.

2.       Meet with your High School Counselor You and your counselor will select college classes, which will meet your high school graduation requirements. Together you will complete and sign a Running Start Enrollment Form. Your parent or guardian must also sign the enrollment form if you are under 18. Ask your counselor for a transfer guide listing Olympic College courses that meet high school requirements.

3.       Meet with your College Advisor Bring the Running Start Enrollment Form for college advising and signature or pin number for registration.

4.       Register and pay fees at Olympic College Register at your scheduled appointment time. Pay the security enhancement fee and any additional class fees at the Cashier's office or online with a credit card.

5.       Purchase Books and Attend Classes
You will want to purchase textbooks and supplies at the Olympic College Bookstore, OC Poulsbo, and OC Shelton or order online through the Bookstore (see link at right).


Running Start Benefits and Limitations 
Benefits of Running Start

Tuition for Running Start classes is free. Students and parents can save up to two years of college tuition costs.
Students have the opportunity to take a wide variety of classes that may not be offered at their local high school.
Students can earn up to two years of college credit during high school to get a running start on their college education. Students can plan a program of study that will transfer to baccalaureate institutions.
Students have an opportunity to experience college classes while in high school. This experience can be helpful in making the transition from home to college away from home and making future educational plans. Students may continue to participate in high school sports and activities.
Academically qualified students have the opportunity to take more challenging or advanced level courses. Highly motivated, mature students may thrive in the college environment.
A diverse college student population provides for a rich classroom-learning environment.
Running Start students are regular college students with the same rights and responsibilities. Students may participate in college clubs, music and drama activities, intramural sports and programs and may use campus services; however, Running Start students may not participate on college sports teams and are not eligible for financial aid.
Students have an opportunity to enroll in both academic transfer and professional technical skills classes with outstanding college faculty. Students have access to instruction using state of the art technology.
Limitations of Running Start

Students, parents, and counselors should carefully consider the students maturity level when discussing the possibility of participating in Running Start. Some students who are academically ready may find the required independence and speed of college classes overwhelming.
Socialization may be an issue with some students. High schools provide a social network and experiences geared toward teenagers. The average age of Olympic College students is 26 and such experiences are not as readily available at the college. Full-time Running Start students may particularly feel a loss of social connection with peers.
Transportation arrangements and costs, book purchases, and lab fees are the responsibility of the student.
The scheduling of college classes may conflict with high school classes or extracurricular activities
The college operates on the quarter system and most high schools operate on the semester system. Transition to college or back to high school winter or spring quarter may be difficult because of the difference in academic calendars. Holiday and vacation periods may also be different.
Students may be exposed to alternative view points and material of an adult nature in college classes.
Students are not guaranteed enrollment in classes they want. Students may encounter limitations with regard to class availability for the first quarters of enrollment and must be flexible when scheduling classes.
Grades in college courses are recorded on the high school transcript and become a part of the student’s permanent record at Olympic College. Low grades or failure to complete courses may jeopardize high school graduation, admission to another college or other future educational plans.

Running Start Advising

Student Responsibilities in the Advising Relationship
At Olympic College, Running Start students are expected to see an advisor every quarter. This expectation is enforced through the use of a signature or quarterly PIN number at registration. Generally, it is expected that a student will also see a faculty member in the discipline in which the student chooses to major. The choice of a specific advisor is left up to the student. The student advisee has primary responsibility for:

contacting the college well in advance of the expected first quarter of attendance. Actions needed may include filing an application, applying for Financial Aid, taking the COMPASS or ASSET assessment, and having transcripts from other schools attended sent to the college.
taking the initiative in setting up an appointment with the advisor each quarter, scheduling all advising sessions early in the advising period and arriving promptly prepared to make full use of the advising session.
reviewing the quarterly schedule of classes before the advising session if you are going to be discussing registration.
becoming familiar with college publications such as the catalog, advising guide, student handbook and the academic calendar, including important dates.
asking questions to get the help that is needed and to find out about campus resources.
thinking about and analyzing skills, interests and values in order to make decisions about educational goals, including selection of courses, major and tentative careers.
planning ahead to the next step in the educational process and becoming familiar with possible transfer schools and their admission requirements, major pre-requisites, etc.
discussing academic difficulties with your advisor and taking action to correct the difficulties.

Academic Advisor's Skills and Responsibilities
An Academic Advisor assists a student in pursuing his/her educational goals, facilitating access to the full range of learning opportunities and services available at Olympic College. To succeed in this helping role, an

Academic Advisor must:
provide a friendly, open atmosphere that will foster advisee self-exploration and self-awareness.
have a thorough understanding of the current curriculum, institutional requirements, course sequences and general education requirements.
have a working knowledge of current institutional policies and procedures.
participate in appropriate training and advising information networks.
be familiar with current institutional support services, special programs, and co-curricular activities for accurate and appropriate referrals; know where to find accurate information.
have good communication skills; listen well, build an atmosphere of trust, and respond to the interests and concerns of the advisee.
be reasonably accessible and let advisees know how to set up appointments as needed.
help the advisee understand his/her responsibilities in the advising process.
assist students to recognize the possible short- and long-term consequences of their choices and to take responsibility for their lives.
focus beyond each quarter by relating interests, skills, abilities, and values to careers and the world of work.
maintain accurate records of advising contacts with students.
keep up-to-date transfer resources and referrals.

Limitations on Academic Advisor Responsibilities
The Academic Advisor serves as a facilitator and role model. However, there are limitations to an Advisorís responsibilities. An Academic Advisor can NOT:
make decisions for an advisee, but can be a sympathetic listener and offer alternatives to consider.
alter the natural abilities of a student, but can encourage maximum skills development.
change college policy or academic requirements, but can inform and recommend courses of action.
serve as a personal counselor, but can be a resource for referrals to appropriate professional personnel.
 


Educational Planning for Running Start Students

Welcome to Olympic College Running Start Program. We are interested in your success and want to assist you in achieving your educational goals. Careful planning is important. You have the primary responsibility of assessing your skills and interests, determining your personal, educational and career goals and developing an educational plan. Our advisors provide academic advising and planning assistance. We can guide you through the process of enrolling in courses to meet your needs. Contact our office to schedule an appointment: 360-475-7646 or 1-800-259-6718 ext. 7646.

Running Start Program Services:
•  Quarterly Workshops
•  Interpretation of degree requirements
•  Development of an academic plan to achieve your educational goal
•  Unofficial Transcript Evaluation

The educational planning process will help you to
•  Identify the high school requirements and credits you need for high school graduation.
•  Become familiar with OC programs and degree options.
•  Research career field and educational programs based on your career and life goals.
•  Identify an educational goal or college major and transfer school.
•  Identify the major prerequisites and department admission requirements.
•  Plan courses to meet your educational objectives.

Resources:

High School Counselor and Career/Vocational Specialist - High School requirements & career counseling
Running Start Advisors - OC degree requirements and general academic transfer information
Faculty Advisors - major-specific transfer planning and professional technical programs
Counseling Faculty - career interest testing, identifying a major and life goals
Career Center - career and student employment services and cooperative education and internship
College and University Web sites or catalogs - admission, academic programs and transfer prerequisites
Transfer School Advisors - admission and prerequisites for majors at your transfer school

Bridging the Digital Divide