Title: An act relating to public tribal colleges participating in the running start program.

Brief Description: Authorizing public tribal colleges to participate in the running start program.

Sponsors: Representatives Quall, McCoy, Cox, Blake, Sells, Skinner, Fromhold, Clements, Appleton, Morris, Linville, Hunter, Darneille, Ormsby, Morrell, Murray, Roberts, Campbell, Chase, P. Sullivan, Santos, Haigh, Dunn and Simpson.

Brief History:

Higher Education: 2/4/05, 2/11/05 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Kenney, Chair; Sells, Vice Chair; Cox, Ranking Minority Member; Rodne, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Buri, Dunn, Fromhold, Hasegawa, Jarrett, Ormsby, Priest, Roberts and Sommers.

Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).

Background:

Under the Running Start dual enrollment program, school districts and public institutions of higher education may partner and allow students in grades 11 and 12 to enroll in one or more college-level courses prior to high school graduation. A public tribal college, however, is not within the definition of the institutions eligible to participate in the program.

Northwest Indian College currently is the only public tribal college in the state, and is funded primarily through federal appropriations. The college participates in Washington's Work First and Adult Basic Education programs, and students may use state financial aid at the college.

Summary of Bill:

A public tribal college authorized by the Higher Education Coordinating Board is eligible to participate in the Running Start program.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 24, 2005.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: This bill brings a minor expansion to the Running Start program. I have seen the benefits of this program and believe it is a great choice for juniors and seniors in high school. Ninety-two percent of these Running Start students pass the Washington Assessment of Student Learning. It's appropriate to extend the opportunity to Northwest Indian College, especially for Native American students who want to attend at Northwest Indian College. This could provide encouragement for more Native American students to enter college through the Running Start program.

Testimony Against: None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Quall, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.